The eighth grade Rite of Passage, a ceremony congratulating students for the completion of junior high school, will take place on May 3 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Junior High adviser Cyndee Shinn said, “The Rite of Passage takes place on a special evening in which families celebrate their daughter’s accomplishments as she prepares to move into her high school years at the Academy.”

Before high school graduation, the Rite of Passage, is the most anticipated event of student life.

Liah Setik said, “I am excited for our Rite of Passage because I feel like it is a welcome into high school. I think that once the Rite of Passage is done, I can officially call myself a high schooler.

“Becoming a high schooler not only means being a teenager, but it also means that I must be more open-minded, focused and careful about the choices I make,” said Setik.

The Rite of Passage is not only the end of junior high school, but the beginning of a new chapter.

Chloe Camello said, “After graduating, I have to step up to more, meaning I have to be more mature and get ready for high school. I will have more responsibilities. I have to be careful about what I do and how my choices are going to affect my future.”

Students wear white ankle length muumuu with short or long sleeves and white sandals for the event. If a student is in band or choir, she can wear the muumuu for that performing art. The Academy provides a haku lei for the students.

Parents and guests are invited to go to the Clarence T.C. Ching Student Center from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for light refreshments prior to the ceremony.