Independence Middle School recognized the academic achievements, leadership, and school spirit of its eighth grade students during its annual awards ceremony held Thursday, June 5.
Mia Young and John Waterstram received the American Legion Award, presented by a representative from the American Legion. The Sgt. Russell Kurtz Award, presented by Mr. Jason Turka, was awarded to Evan Cannon, Jacob Schwartz, and Jackson Mills for outstanding citizenship and leadership.
The Principals’ Award, given by principal Mrs. Racquel Sutton for excellence across academics and character, went to Reese Curry, Amelia Girasek, Adelyn LeMessurier, Ruby Means, Lulu Hawks, Ryan Hudak, Samuel Lynch-Liendo, Gabriel Gomez-Martinez, Cody Peterson, Troy Goelz, Marina Yee, and Mehran Ahmadi.
The Counselor’s Award was presented by Mrs. Jordan Henderson and Mrs. Alexis DeShong to Gianna Kicinski, recognizing her resilience and leadership.
Audrey Kirstein and Annabella Laffey earned the National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award, presented by Mrs. Kathy Foster and Mrs. Shelly Schaum.
World Language teachers honored students for their excellence in language learning:
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Spanish (Mrs. Jacqueline Bhandari): Dominic DiPaolo, Ruby Means, Adalynn Owen
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French (Mrs. Irina Aristegui): Vincent Cavagnaro, Mia Young
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Latin (Mrs. Irina Aristegui): Amelia Girasek
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German (Mr. Michael Stang): Emma Nelson, Evan Joslin
In the arts, the Nancy Gleason Gavola Award in Drama was presented by Mrs. Tricia Quinque and Ms. Nina Persi to Vincent Cavagnaro, Vivian McGregor, and Addison Will. The Fine Arts Awards went to Samuel Lynch-Liendo, Phoebe Willis, Justin Hughes, Hazel McGregor, Ella Burke, Rebekah Hladio, Rylie Sillman, Reese Curry, and Charlotte Glisan.
The Spirit of Independence Award, presented by Mr. Scott Staranko, recognized Zoe Fortier and Christian Anderson for embodying the school's values.
In music and writing:
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The Suzanne Reid Music Award (Mr. Zach Cable) went to Vincent Cavagnaro and Justin Hughes
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The Stephen Chbosky Writing Award (Mrs. Alana Zanetta & Mrs. Rachael Pirschel) went to Vivian McGregor (Argumentative Essay) and Magdalena Dyda (Narrative Essay)
Athletes were also celebrated during the ceremony. The Marissa Boyan Scholar-Athlete Award, presented by Mr. Dylan August, went to Lucas Skerbetz and Adalynn Owen. The IMS Athletic Academic Award, given by Mr. Staranko, was awarded to the Girls Soccer and Girls Basketball teams.
The Stephanie Petit Team Awards, given to students who exemplify the values of their teams, were awarded as follows:
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Team Freedom (Mr. Carl Schaum): Justin Hughes, Adrienne Hofbauer
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Team Integrity (Mr. Joe Yakelis): Zachary LeJeune, Audrey Kirstein
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Team Liberty (Mr. Jared King): Cayson Fisher, Emma Nelson
Mia Young was also recognized with a Perfect Attendance Award, presented by assistant principal Mr. Tyler Dillinger.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Mrs. Sutton, who congratulated the Class of 2025 on their achievements and wished them continued success in high school.