OLD TOWN, Maine — This year’s annual eighth-grade assembly at Leonard Middle School was all about celebrating the achievements of students moving on to high school and remembering one classmate who died last month.
A memorial video of Dylan C. McInnis, a 14-year-old who died in his sleep on May 6 because of a congenital heart defect, was played. It showed pictures of him in his hockey uniform, with friends, teachers and loved ones. A standing ovation happened when the video ended, and many in the crowd, which included parents and community members, were seen crying.
The video was presented directly after Secretary of State Matt Dunlap presented eighth-grader Grace Harvey with the Eighth Grade Citizenship Award.
Dunlap, who on Monday went to Jameson Elementary School in Old Orchard Beach to honor student Jade Noel as the Constitution Essay and Poster Contest winner, started his presentation by joking that he “traveled all the way from Middle Street to be here.”
“As a person, she is a leader among her peers,” Dunlap said of Harvey, after listing the many activities she is involved with, including sports, music and community work.
Harvey hugged her mom before going up on stage to accept the award.
The Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award Program honors Maine students for their civic awareness, scholastic achievements and community service. In 2015, 123 schools recognized an eighth-grader for outstanding citizenship qualities.
Earlier in the event, students were honored for perfect attendance, and Emily Spencer was named the local Kiwanis Citizen of the Year.
“I want to thank my teachers. They’ve always been there,” Spencer said after accepting the honor.