Healdsburg Junior HIgh promotes 145 eighth graders

With deafening cheers and many camera flashes, 145 were promoted Thursday to a new status as entering high school freshman.

Students' names were called out by HJH Vice Principal Carole Read. One by one, they ascended the podium to receive certificates and handshakes from HJH Principal Deborah Hall,  Healdsburg Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Harding and HUSD board President Ted Crowell.

"Remember that this is just another step in the journey," Hall told the group in her brief address.  "You want to continue to strive to do your best."

Hall's comments brought cheers from the students and their families assembled at the Healdsburg High School gym. because of the threat of rain.

"Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams," Hall told the students as she stood on the podium in front of a banner denoting

"I'm happy and sad at the same time," said HJH science teacher Phil Blumert. "I'm always sad to see them go, but I'm happy for them that they're moving on."

Ursula Lopez, the class's "Student of the Year," said she was "excited for the sports" she intends to play at -- softball, basketball and volleyball, all of which she has been playing in junior high, she said.

Vayshon Hesz and Tyger Forest also said they were excited about playing football; Adrian Herrera and Roberto Flores said they were looking forward to playing basketball.

said he was hoping to get in the drama program run by his uncle Brent Mortensen, HHS English and drama teacher. Carter, 13, is the son of Jennifer Ortiz, Mortensen's sister, and John Ortiz.

Cynthia Burgess of Geyserville, grandmother of promoted eighth grader Alesha Delaney, said Alesha was planning to enter the HHS film production program.

"She wants to be a film director," Burgess said. "She's taking a media workshop the school is offering this summer."

Healdsburg High School is putting the as part of construction of a new HUSD office building.

Burgess said she was moved by Thursday's promotion ceremonies.

"I'm a retired eighth grade teacher," she said. "These things always give me chills and bring tears to my eyes."

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