Eighth Grade hears Sanders

JOHNSONVILLE - Megan Sanders was the honor guest at the recent Johnsonville Middle School’s Eighth Grade Graduation.

Megan attended Johnsonville High School, was valedictorian of the 2005 graduating class and received the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and the Francis Marion Academic Excellence Scholarship. She recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Francis Marion University with a B. S. degree in Biology and collaterals in Chemistry and History. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was the recipient of the William H. Blackwell Award. In 2008 she was selected to present at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in San Antonia, Texas. Megan is currently pursuing secondary certification in science and plans to teach high school biology. She also serves as a youth leader and praise and worship leader at Johnsonville First Baptist Church. She is the daughter of Rick and Renee Sanders of Johnsonville.

She said, “Graduation is a special celebration of the accomplishments you’ve attained during your years at JMS and a time to look fondly on memories that have been made during your middle school journey.

“Gradation from JMS is the beginning of many milestones in your life - things like getting your driver’s license, planning and decorating for prom, picking out high school rings, participating in the ring ceremony, visiting and applying for colleges and entering adulthood. The memories you have made over the past four years, while sometimes bittersweet, etch an everlasting impression on you and will help to equip you to walk through those windows of opportunity that lie ahead. While these opportunities my be fun filled, challenging, difficult, or even scary, it’s what you do with those opportunities that will define you as individuals.
“I asked myself what is the most important piece of advise I could offer to help prepare you for this transition to high school and for being successful in life. I decided the answer was to never lose sight of the most essential things in life…God, family and friends, and personal integrity.

“If you leave here with nothing else, always remember the importance of trusting and following God. Without His mercy and grace, we would; not be here today and would not be blessed in so many ways. While I do not presume to speak for everyone, I can personally testify to the joy and hope God provides.

She pointed out those people who are so important in a person’s life: parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, teachers and other leaders and friends who share life with us and create lasting memories. “They help us to survive,” she said, “Treasure them.

“Our true merit is a result of our personal integrity. Like snowflakes, each of us is unique, with different abilities, skills and possibilities. Those attributes are nothing if you do not have a kind heart or if you are not truthful, upstanding and of sound character. While these qualities may seem dull, they are the measure of a person with integrity. Integrity means doing what is right or good, regardless of the immediate consequences or outcomes. It means being honorable in your actions and more importantly in your thoughts and in your heart. Let us remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

“Winston Churchill once said: ‘Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts.’ Celebrate what you have accomplished, but look forward to how you can make a difference and be an inspiration for others.”

Highest Overall Academic Averages in 8th grade went to Taylor James, Courtney Squires, Madison Capps, Konnor Owens and John Dawson Patterson, first through fifth place, respectively.

Ashley Hanna was the student chosen to receive the 2009 8th Grade Principal’s Award. “She has exhibited dedication to her school and compassion for others,” Principal Randy Willis said in presenting the coveted award. “She has excelled athletically and understands what it takes to get the job done inside the softball diamond. She has played both J. V. and Varsity softball for JHS and has played softball for a traveling team. Along with participating in softball, she was also a cheerleader for JMS…cheering for both JMS football and basketball teams

“Not only is she a strong athlete, but she has also participated in Junior Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes activities. She served her school by operating the school canteen during recess. This student is known for her friendly, bubbly personality and would never hesitate to help someone in need. Her compassionate nature and dedication to her school have made the faculty and staff of JMS truly proud.”

Nicole Kinder received a certificate as the Student Council President. Junior Crusaders officers included President-Jordan Williamson, Treasurer-Lauren Miller and Secretary- Madison Capps.

There were 33 members of the Junior Beta Club and officers were President-Taylor James, V-President-Jordan Williamson and Treasurer-Madison Capps. Taylor James took first place in Science Division 11 at the JBC State Convention while Sydney Gaster took first place in Sculpture. Junior Beta Club members were also cited for serving in the school canteen.

Junior scholars who received medals were Tanner Martin, Cody Nation, Patrick Nettles, Konnor Owens, John Dawson Patterson, Michael Vangzen and Darney Wilson.

The 2008 MS Mock Trial team won the Pee Dee Regional Competition and placed third in the State Championship. Eighth grade members included Whitney Baxley, Taylor James, Nicole Kinder, Mallory Miles, Patrick Nettles, Courtney Squires and Jordan Williamson. Squires was named Most Effective Prosecution Attorney at Region; Mallory Miles-Most Effective Prosecution Witness at Region and State; Taylor James, Most Effective Prosecution Attorney at State, and Nicole Kinder, Most Effective Prosecution Witness at State.

Mallory Foshee, Carson Lee, Rodrick Stuckey and Lizzie Wall had perfect attendance.

Character First Awards went to 41 Eighth Grade students. Academic Challenge Team members were Taylor James, Cody Nations, Patrick Nettles, Quinton Norman, Konnor Owens, Courtney Squires, Jordan Williamson, Hayden Winsor and Michael Wegrzyn. Taylor James and Patrick Nettles were chosen by their coaches to be named “Middle Star All-Star Students” for which they received trophies.

Nicole Kinder and Tanner Martin were invited to attend the Young Writers’ Conference in March and were recognized for this honor.

On the Honor Roll (all A’s and B’s) and on the Principal’s Honor Roll (all A’s) were ten eighth grade students on each.