Gentry, AR — More than 125 eighth-grade students were promoted to Gentry High School during a special ceremony on Friday, celebrating both their achievements and the promise they hold for the future.
The class of 2029 officially became high school freshmen as a packed crowd of friends and family filled the school’s performing arts auditorium to cheer them on.
Gentry Middle School Principal Dr. Elizabeth Wieneke reflected on a memorable academic year and praised the students for their growth and perseverance.
“You all have a solid foundation—both in character and in academics,” Wieneke told the students. “I hope you know you have an entire group of teachers here at the middle school rooting for you.”
Each student received a certificate of promotion, while those with exceptional academic performance were awarded medallions. Additional honors were given to students who excelled in specific subject areas and in the performing arts.
Three students—Lanie Newsom, Alex Bran, and Caleigh Farrar—were selected to address the audience as event speakers.
Bran emphasized the strength of the class’s unity and expressed gratitude to their educators.
“Never in my sixth-grade mind would I have imagined I would have such great teachers who helped us learn and succeed,” he said.
Farrar took a moment to recognize the important role of families in their academic journey.
“Thank you for being our personal Uber drivers, our late-night tutors, and for cheering us on through everything,” she told the audience.