Atlantic City Schools Hold 8th Grade "Stepping Up" Ceremonies

ATLANTIC CITY – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex held its 8^th grade “Stepping Up” Ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026.

The theme was “Be the Change. It starts with Me.”

The ceremony was held in the gymnasium. Principal Jodi Burroughs served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Rayne McNair-Larry was the valedictorian.

Click the link to see our complete photo gallery from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex Stepping Up Ceremony: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GkZUBRzTenLKmqFr6

ATLANTIC CITY — Uptown School Complex held its 8^th grade Stepping Up Ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Principal Dr. Ananda Davis-Wright served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Diego Medina Medina was the valedictorian.

To see our complete gallery from the Uptown School Stepping Up Ceremony, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/d6Bg2Ksc1TpfuX2F8

ATLANTIC CITY –New York Avenue School held 8^th grade graduation on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

"Tomorrow (A Better You, A Better Me)" was the theme. 

Principal Kendall Williams invited Keith Purnell, Director of Guest Experience at Caesars and CHORUS Chairman of the Board, to give the keynote address.

Jordan Druid is the valedictorian.

To see our complete gallery from the New York Avenue School 8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jXuKCPp4Z5hLixDy6          

ATLANTIC CITY – Richmond Avenue School held 8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony 2026 on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

The gymnasium was filled as students prepared to make the transition from elementary education to high school. Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small certified that the students had met all of the requirements of the Atlantic City Public School system.

Vice Principal Samantha Sickler served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Valedictorian Nazifa Ahad delivered the class address.

To see our complete gallery from the Richmond Avenue School Stepping Up Ceremony 2026, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YEz4cHcCMSj5tAcZ7

ATLANTIC CITY – Texas Avenue School held 8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony 2026 on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

The second-floor auditorium was filled as students, and their families celebrated the transition from elementary education to high school.

Principal Lina Gil presented special awards.

Assistant Principal Dr. Bohdan Christian addrssed the graduating class.

Longtime teacher Stacey Rich, who has taught in the building since it was Chelsea Junior High School back in the 1990s, served as a guest speaker.

Valedictorian Sandra Tiul-Paau also spoke.

To see our complete gallery from the Texas Avenue School Stepping Up Ceremony 2026, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5k5fJAzqktmkF5wX7

ATLANTIC CITY – Chelsea Heights School held the 8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Principal James E. Knox, Jr. gave the students an inspiring message.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. LaKecia Hyman gave the address on behalf of the Atlantic City Public Schools District administration.

Bidita Das is the valedictorian.

To see our complete gallery from the Chelsea Heights 8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/D6dRYpBXr5PMh1zRA

ATLANTIC CITY – Pennsylvania Avenue School held the 8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Atlantic City Board of Education member Alexxus Young served as the guest speaker.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small delivered an inspiring message. Principal Thomas Biggins gave the principal's address.

Jayden Morrison is the valedictorian.

 To see our complete gallery from the Pennsylvania Avenue School  8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SozHppUq6XSbLPr4A

ATLANTIC CITY – Sovereign Avenue School held the 8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Principal Nicole Israel gave an inspiring message.

Ananda Chowdhury is the valedictorian.

To see our complete gallery from the Sovereign Avenue School  8^th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2QknSdoRjPEoNJuS8

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