One of the biggest transitions a student makes in their educational career is the change from middle school to high school.

For over the past 30 years, Park View Middle School has treated its “graduates” to a special evening of recognition for all their hard work and dedication to their studies with a special Grade 8 Honors Night.

Students are presented with certificates of honor status, medals for outstanding work in core areas of study, and recognition in other areas.

Principal Mike Crudale served as master of ceremonies for the evening, and after Student Council Executive Board member Matthew Mellor led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, the ceremony got under way.

Crudale welcomed the guests to the program and started the evening’s remarks. “We are here this evening to honor you and your hard work and dedication to education. Your efforts and commitment deserve to be honored,” he said.

Crudale went on to compare the job of Park View to the role of the Pawtucket Red Sox. “We are preparing you for the majors, which in this case is high school,” he said.

He concluded his remarks by telling the students to never settle. “I hope you challenge yourselves, set goals for excellence, and don’t accept mediocrity. You are the best of the best of Park View,” he said.

Representing the city of Cranston and Mayor Allan Fung’s office was Director of Constituent Affairs Jeffrey Barone.

“Be most proud not of the honor itself, but what you had to do to get it,” he told the students. He told them not to rest on their laurels, but to cultivate an attitude with a purpose in life.

The next speaker was Joe Rotz, former Park View principal and current executive director of educational programs and services for the school district. He started off by reminiscing about the Super Bowl commercial that was filmed at Park View.

“I never articulated how truly proud I am of this school, to be part of this family. I was a student here, I taught here, I was the principal here. Park View builds character and it builds leaders. Be proud of yourselves. You have complete control over your futures,” he said.

Bringing regards from the Cranston School Committee was Michael Traficante.

“I am amazed. This is over 50 percent of the eighth-grade class receiving honors,” he said. He went on to offer several quotes about success and achievement, and ended his comments by telling the students “Success is not a sometimes thing, it is a habit.”

Throughout the ceremony, there was a true sense of family and camaraderie among the teachers, students, and presenters. Good-natured teasing, cheering, and standing ovations were frequent during the evening.

Assistant Principal Kerrylin Reagan announced the first award of the night. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) award was given to Allen Dermanelian.

The award for highest academic achievement, also known as the Principal’s Award, was presented to Samuel Hinds. Based on his cumulative grades over the four quarters, Hinds would be considered the valedictorian.

Several students were acknowledged for their dedication to attendance. They were never absent, tardy, or dismissed early. They are Alexandria Cabral, Carrie Cairns, Kevin Chan, Amanda Fang, Courtney Holmes, Autumn Hooper, Quinn Julian, Alfred Lizarda, Brian Martin, Christopher McCarthy, Hannah Murphy, and Andrew Ou.

High honors were given to 29 students, while 70 students attained honors status.

In total, more than 100 awards were presented.