PHOTOS: Matawan Aberdeen Eighth Graders Promoted to High School

Matawan Aberdeen Middle School promoted 273 eighth graders to high school during a graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon at Barry Rizzo Stadium.

The students were encouraged to reflect on their last few years as middle school students and to remember the valuable lessons they learned while growing at high school.

Holly Richardson, the class president, addressed her classmates during the ceremony.

We went from being the shortest kids on the tallest in the school. Well, at least some of us," she said jokingly, referring to her own petite stature.

"This year, as well as the overall middle school experience, was as rewarding as it was memorable. I know I am not the only student here tired of hearing, 'I can't believe you're already going to high school.' Well, guess what? Now's the time to take that in. We're really going to the ninth grade. Our future is rapidly approaching," Richardson said.

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One by one the graduates crossed the stage and accepted their diploma. Following the student recognitions, the middle school chorus performed "Like an Eagle" and the middle school band performed "Grooove!"

Then, the moment they all had been waiting for: Principal Tyler Blackmore stood before them and declared them graduates, officially making them the Matawan Regional High School Class of 2016.

The students stood and cheered, throwing their arms in the air and jumping up and down. With proud smiles and their faces, they started the recessional to rejoin their families and friends as high school graduates.

Did you know that you can congratulate your graduate for free on Matawan-Aberdeen Patch? .