Dearborn Heights Montessori Center’s eighth grade graduates are Fatima Awn (first row left), Dearborn; Tasia Gabriel, Detroit, Sally Khazaal, Dearborn Heights; Steven Manrique and Jade Barreto, Dearborn; Neil Hodgins, Livonia; Rachel Robinson, Huron Township; Ritsuma Inaba, Farmington Hills; Camilla Cascardo, Dearborn; Rana Dabana (second row left), Dearborn; Seeneen Meroueh, Dearborn Heights; Juliana Hager, Taylor; Albert Grigorov, Dearborn; Kirby Rocha, Detroit; Dane Miller, Dearborn; Mila Resetar, Dearborn Heights; Erik Kobel, Livonia; and Zayd Odeh, Canton.
HEIGHTS – Dearborn Heights Montessori Center honored 18 graduates of its middle school program during the school’s 22nd graduating class ceremonies. Several of the students attended DHMC for more than 10 years, beginning with the preschool program.
Beginning in the fall, graduates will attend high schools throughout the metropolitan Detroit area including Divine Child, Crestwood, Bloomfield Hills Andover, Cranbrook Kingswood, Detroit Catholic Central, Mercy High School, University of Detroit Jesuit and University Liggett.
“We are always pleased to learn that schools are eager to accept our graduates because of the strong foundation they receive in academics, the arts and community service,” Dearborn Heights Montessori founder Kay Neff said. “It’s wonderful to stay in touch with our alumni and hear about their many achievements after they graduate from our middle school program.”
Each year a formal ceremony is held to recognize the eighth grade graduating class included musical selections by DHMC elementary students and recognition of service accomplishments along with speeches written and presented by each graduate.
Service activities, in the classroom and in the community, are an integral part of DHMC’s upper elementary and middle school programs. Opportunities for service include reading to younger students, assisting with office projects, visiting senior citizens, operating the school’s hot lunch and recycling programs, and helping the school meet the State of Michigan’s requirements to become a green school.
DHMC also sets a high standard for students to serve as role models for younger children and demonstrate generos-
ity of spirit, responsibility for others, teamwork, leadership, dependability, courtesy, and grace under pressure — building the foundation for a life of good citizenship.