Middle School Promotion

I recently received an eighth grade promotion announcement in the mail. Quite frankly, it has me a bit stymied. The ceremony used to be called eighth grade graduation, and I gather that both parents and educators are endeavoring to move away from the graduation aspect of the exercise. While many young people may be unable to pursue college degrees due to cost or poor academic achievement, in the U.S. everyone is expected to attend high school. Fortunately the days of heading off to the coal mine or other full-time employment after completing eighth grade are well behind us.

Sadly, not all fourteen year olds are feted with cake and presents after eighth grade. Young people across the globe are forced to leave school due to economic, political and social concerns at young ages. Many of them go to work often in dangerous fields. The young girls may get married and become completely reliant on their husbands. Whatever their circumstances, their potential is stunted which is a sad fact that everyone should mourn.

I will celebrate the achievements of the newly minted middle school graduate, mark the occasion with a card and give thanks that she will be going to high school in three months. I will give thanks that she has the opportunity to take Latin, algebra, English and biology even though she may very well dislike some of her classes. I will give thanks that her biggest complaint about junior high was the fact that her mom didn’t let her wear make-up.

And I will pray for all children who are forced to leave school without completing their educations due to circumstances beyond their control.