"I Will Miss Cole"

The Cole Middle School graduating class of 2013 ended their middle school career has they lived it, cheering on those who sometimes are left behind.

Full disclosure here: the someone who got particularly loud cheers during Monday's graduation happened to be my son, James McNamara, who has Down syndrome, some stubborn health problems and a vigorous fist bump.

This is the class that raised $4,000 just this spring for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a nonprofit organization to benefit people who have lost limbs. The fundraising came about after hearing social studies teacher Kelli O'Neill talk about her son Brayon, who was born without tibia and fibula bones in both his legs.

This is the class that for two years has participated in the Unified Basketball program, where athletes with developmental disabilities are paired with typically developing peers in real cross-school competition. 

This is the class that developed an anti-bullying program that was as fun as it was informative. 

So, congratulations to the Cole Middle School Class of 2013. May you enjoy high school. Thanks for your compassion. 

Award winners Monday:

PTG Award for Scholarship: Jake Horoho and Emily Cheng

Cole Achievement Award: Emma Haswell and Jessica Haddad

Cole Community Award: Colby Anderson

ARC Award: Luke Eller and Emily Miga

EGEA Outstanding Student: Timothy Sanzi and Sydney Souness

Salute to the Flag was led by Student Council Treasurer Tharun Somasundar.

Presentation of the Class Gift was made by Student Council President Timothy Sanzi.