Mercymount Class of 2018: Next stop, high school

32 students to make the jump from middle school

CUMBERLAND — The 32 members of the Class of 2018, eight of whom have been together since pre-kindergarten, celebrated their progression from middle school to high school during a graduation ceremony June 8 at St. John Vianney Church in Cumberland. The celebrant of the graduation Mass was Fr. Jared Constanza.

Awards were distributed following the celebration of Mass and awarding of the diplomas.

The Presidential Award for Academic Excellence was presented to two students. This award is earned by keeping an average of 90 and above in all subjects from fourth through eighth grades, and scoring at least an 85 percent or higher in the reading and math CAT tests given each year.

Students honored were Molly Elkerton, daughter of Darren and Lori Elkerton, North Attleboro, Mass.; and Elizabeth Ruel, daughter of Justin and Katie Ruel, Franklin, Mass.

Emily Gallucci and Zaven Zeitountzian were also recognized as having received prestigious honors as the Middle Level Scholar Leader for 2018. They were recently honored at a banquet in West Warwick. Emily and Zaven received the award for demonstrating academic initiative and scholarship, providing service to classmates and the school, exemplifying positive attitudes and demonstrating leadership in the classroom and school activities. The event was organized by the Rhode Island Middle Level Educators and the New England League of Middle Schools with support from Lifetouch National School Studios. Emily is the daughter of John and Christine Gallucci, Cumberland. Zaven is the son of Sarkis and Melanie Zeitountzian, Lincoln.

The Principal’s Award, presented annually to a student chosen by the faculty for their all-around academic and personal distinction, was presented to John O’Connor. John is the son of James and Mary O’Connor, Attleboro, Mass.

The Williams College Book Award was presented to Chau Le. The award is given to an eighth-grade student who is recognized for his or her academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and clear leadership potential. Chau is the daughter of Dung Le and Kim Dung Le, Woonsocket.

Submitted photos The Mercymount Class of 2018 is, first row, from left, Elizabeth Ruel, Ceili Lachance, Paige Rivera, Halee Reynolds, Shivani Bedre, Jacklyn Ridgeway, Emily Gallucci, Molly Elkerton; second row, from left, Assistant Principal Liane Jalette, eighth-grade...

Above, pictured clockwise from top left are Principal Gretchen Hawley with MCDS Presidential Excellence Award winners Molly Elkerton and Elizabeth Ruel; MCDS Principals Award recipient John O’Connor; and Williams College Alumni Book Award Winner Chau Le.