8th Grade Academy (8GA) Welcomes Second Class
Photo Credits: Katie Schmid, The Commoneer
On Wednesday, October 18th, 8th Grade Academy (8GA) held its annual “Induction Day,” officially welcoming this year’s class of twenty-two (22) youth and recognizing their commitment to the program. Half of the youth have participated in OTRC as 6th and 7th graders.
Induction Day was held at Skyline Middle School and attended by school teachers and administration, OTRC staff and volunteers, Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) high school mentors, and others from the community.
8GA youth received a special On the Road t-shirt and bag, and built and planted an “8GA Tree.” The tree signifies each youth’s individuality as well as their connection to the 8GA community. Mahek, an 8GA youth, shares “I really enjoyed learning about the tree project, and putting our thumb prints on the pot.”
And, of course, we had to celebrate the special occasion with an evening of bowling and dinner.
Another 8GA youth, Miguel, remarks that “It was fun to be with my friends, and get to know the other students in our group better.”
8GA is in its second year, thanks to a United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County collaborative grant award with Scholars Latino Initiative, a college preparation program for Latino scholars.
