Lingelbach Elementary graduates urged to maintain ‘a positive attitude’

The eighth-grade graduating class of Anna Lane Lingelbach Elementary threw their caps in the air Wednesday morning as the song “I Made It” by Kevin Rudolf played.

Relatives, friends and faculty members were at the Wayne Avenue school to hear Principal Richard Raisman urge students to continue being involved in both academics and extracurricular activities when they arrive at high school in September.

“Maintaining a positive attitude will go a long way,” he said.

“No one can do it alone”

Stephen Kinsey, a Lingelbach graduate who won the 201st District state-rep primary this April, presented the award named in honor of his mother, Pearl Kinsey, who worked as a custodial aide at the Germantown school.

“If it wasn’t for my mother, I wouldn’t be standing here in front of you today,” said Kinsey.

The Pearl Kinsey Citizenship Award — complete with a $50 prize — was given to Giselle Burrell, Mohamadou Sow and Zaria Robinson.

The entire graduating class also received a congratulatory letter from outgoing state Rep. John Myers, for whom Kinsey served as chief-of-staff.

Kinsey, who told students that he sat on the “very same stage” when he graduated, urged them to remember that “no one can do it alone” and to “be a team player.”

“Don’t let this be the last graduation that your team attends,” said Kinsey. “If I can do it, you can do it.”

Academic achievement recognized

Two students, Brianna Junious and Jadejit Minhas, were honored for having the highest overall average in all subjects by the Duval Improvement Association, a Germantown non-profit. Their $100 award was matched by NewCourtland, an organization that provides community services to seniors.

“We’re invested in building community and education, and we want to recognize student achievement,” said Angela Brown, director of marketing and public affairs at NewCourtland.

To conclude the ceremony, graduate Stephanie Still urged her fellow graduates to remember that “patience and perseverance will bring success” and to “appreciate the ones that pushed you to do your best.”