![Eastside Catholic School Class of 2030]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785178738/eastsidecatholicorg/fhxzfljhakebkftuppyz/8thGradePromotionSpeeches.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785178738/eastsidecatholicorg/fhxzfljhakebkftuppyz/8thGradePromotionSpeeches.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785178738/eastsidecatholicorg/fhxzfljhakebkftuppyz/8thGradePromotionSpeeches.png","width":700}])
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Reflections From the Class of 2030: Eighth Grade Promotion Speeches
Reflections from the Class of 2030: Eighth Grade Promotion Speeches
Compiled by the Eastside Catholic School Marketing and Communications Team
As Eastside Catholic celebrates the Class of 2030, we are honored to share the heartfelt reflections of our eighth grade promotion speakers. Each speech offers a unique perspective on growth, perseverance, friendship and the experiences that shaped their middle school journey.
These students faced challenges, discovered new passions and formed lasting connections with classmates and teachers. Their reflections capture the spirit of Eastside Catholic and the excitement of taking the next step as members of our high school community.
Eighth Grade Promotion Speeches
- Growing Through Every Challenge | Emma Feng '30
- Carrying the Lessons Forward | Owen Fosdick '30
- Finding My Place at Eastside Catholic | Rock Monahan '30
Inspired by these student stories? Discover what makes Eastside Catholic a place where students grow in faith, learning and leadership. Visit our website to learn more—we look forward to meeting you!
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![Two student volunteers wearing colorful leis helping at the 2025 STARS Gala Auction.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786554638/eastsidecatholicorg/f0rrpiw5v4suzgexrbgn/GBB04469edited.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786554638/eastsidecatholicorg/f0rrpiw5v4suzgexrbgn/GBB04469edited.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786554638/eastsidecatholicorg/f0rrpiw5v4suzgexrbgn/GBB04469edited.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786554638/eastsidecatholicorg/f0rrpiw5v4suzgexrbgn/GBB04469edited.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786554638/eastsidecatholicorg/f0rrpiw5v4suzgexrbgn/GBB04469edited.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1786554638/eastsidecatholicorg/f0rrpiw5v4suzgexrbgn/GBB04469edited.jpg","width":2200}])
A parent's guide to volunteering at EC and how your time and talents make a difference.
As the Class of 2030 celebrates this important milestone, we’re honored to share reflections from our student speakers. Their stories highlight the friendships, challenges and experiences that define the Eastside Catholic middle school experience and the bright future that lies ahead.
![Class of 2030 student Rock Monahan addressing the audience at the Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785176660/eastsidecatholicorg/bhd4tnq3f7mvne1yhztv/RockMonahanBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785176660/eastsidecatholicorg/bhd4tnq3f7mvne1yhztv/RockMonahanBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785176660/eastsidecatholicorg/bhd4tnq3f7mvne1yhztv/RockMonahanBlog.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1785176660/eastsidecatholicorg/bhd4tnq3f7mvne1yhztv/RockMonahanBlog.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785176660/eastsidecatholicorg/bhd4tnq3f7mvne1yhztv/RockMonahanBlog.jpg","width":1537}])
Class of 2030 student, Rock Monahan, reflects on the challenges of starting middle school, the friendships and mentors who helped him grow, and the importance of supporting one another as the Class of 2030 begins its high school journey.
![Eastside Catholic School Class of 2030 student Owen Fosdick addressing the audience at the Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784926751/eastsidecatholicorg/qutls9wxkshpkmdq59xv/OwenFosdickBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784926751/eastsidecatholicorg/qutls9wxkshpkmdq59xv/OwenFosdickBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784926751/eastsidecatholicorg/qutls9wxkshpkmdq59xv/OwenFosdickBlog.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784926751/eastsidecatholicorg/qutls9wxkshpkmdq59xv/OwenFosdickBlog.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784926751/eastsidecatholicorg/qutls9wxkshpkmdq59xv/OwenFosdickBlog.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1784926751/eastsidecatholicorg/qutls9wxkshpkmdq59xv/OwenFosdickBlog.jpg","width":2200}])
Reflecting on the friendships, challenges and growth of middle school, Class of 2030 student Owen Fosdick encourages his classmates to carry the lessons they've learned into the next chapter with confidence and gratitude.
![Eastside Catholic School eighth grade student Emma Feng addressing the audience at the Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784926355/eastsidecatholicorg/tq4rsmxxkhddc4e5hymw/EmmaFengBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784926355/eastsidecatholicorg/tq4rsmxxkhddc4e5hymw/EmmaFengBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784926355/eastsidecatholicorg/tq4rsmxxkhddc4e5hymw/EmmaFengBlog.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784926355/eastsidecatholicorg/tq4rsmxxkhddc4e5hymw/EmmaFengBlog.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784926355/eastsidecatholicorg/tq4rsmxxkhddc4e5hymw/EmmaFengBlog.jpg","width":1536}])
Class of 2030 student Emma Feng shared at the June 10 eighth grade promotion how middle school at Eastside Catholic helped her confidently navigate life's challenges, and prepare her for the path ahead.
![Eastside Catholic School's Valedictorians and Salutatorians]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784137625/eastsidecatholicorg/wy6tmffq19dsblesg99t/Classof2026VALandSAL.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784137625/eastsidecatholicorg/wy6tmffq19dsblesg99t/Classof2026VALandSAL.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784137625/eastsidecatholicorg/wy6tmffq19dsblesg99t/Classof2026VALandSAL.png","width":700}])
We’re proud to share the thoughtful reflections from the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians. Their words reflect not only academic excellence, but also the strength, compassion and spirit that define the Eastside Catholic School community.
![Eastside Catholic School salutatorian Avi Mandhana '26 receives his diploma]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782837909/eastsidecatholicorg/kzbbkuyej1irynj3db8j/AviMandhanaSalBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782837909/eastsidecatholicorg/kzbbkuyej1irynj3db8j/AviMandhanaSalBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782837909/eastsidecatholicorg/kzbbkuyej1irynj3db8j/AviMandhanaSalBlog.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782837909/eastsidecatholicorg/kzbbkuyej1irynj3db8j/AviMandhanaSalBlog.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782837909/eastsidecatholicorg/kzbbkuyej1irynj3db8j/AviMandhanaSalBlog.jpg","width":1600}])
Salutatorian Avi Mandhana '26 encourages the Class of 2026 to slow down, embrace the present and make the most of the summer before life's next chapter begins.
![Eastside Catholic School salutatorian Tristan Weigum '26 receives his diploma]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782837168/eastsidecatholicorg/zaskfb6foalwosyrskj6/TristanWeigumSalBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782837168/eastsidecatholicorg/zaskfb6foalwosyrskj6/TristanWeigumSalBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782837168/eastsidecatholicorg/zaskfb6foalwosyrskj6/TristanWeigumSalBlog.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782837168/eastsidecatholicorg/zaskfb6foalwosyrskj6/TristanWeigumSalBlog.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782837168/eastsidecatholicorg/zaskfb6foalwosyrskj6/TristanWeigumSalBlog.jpg","width":1600}])
Salutatorian Tristan Weigum '26 reminds the Class of 2026 that life's most meaningful memories often come from the ordinary moments shared with extraordinary people.
![Eastside Catholic School valedictorian James Tupaj '26 receives his diploma]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782837042/eastsidecatholicorg/mwbahcclsdu1pvhxvajm/JamesTupajValBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782837042/eastsidecatholicorg/mwbahcclsdu1pvhxvajm/JamesTupajValBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782837042/eastsidecatholicorg/mwbahcclsdu1pvhxvajm/JamesTupajValBlog.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782837042/eastsidecatholicorg/mwbahcclsdu1pvhxvajm/JamesTupajValBlog.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782837042/eastsidecatholicorg/mwbahcclsdu1pvhxvajm/JamesTupajValBlog.jpg","width":1600}])
In his commencement address, valedictorian James Tupaj '26 reflects on the perseverance that carried the Class of 2026 to graduation, encouraging his classmates to remember the fulfillment that comes from hard work as they begin their next chapter.
![Eastside Catholic School valedictorian Isabelle Moosman '26 receives her diploma]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782836613/eastsidecatholicorg/hbgkvonfbziu6v8kvcvv/IsabelleMoosmanValBlog.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782836613/eastsidecatholicorg/hbgkvonfbziu6v8kvcvv/IsabelleMoosmanValBlog.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782836613/eastsidecatholicorg/hbgkvonfbziu6v8kvcvv/IsabelleMoosmanValBlog.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782836613/eastsidecatholicorg/hbgkvonfbziu6v8kvcvv/IsabelleMoosmanValBlog.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782836613/eastsidecatholicorg/hbgkvonfbziu6v8kvcvv/IsabelleMoosmanValBlog.jpg","width":1600}])
Looking back on the educators who made a lasting impact on her life, valedictorian Isabelle Moosman '26 encourages her classmates to embrace new experiences and never stop learning.