Visions In Education’s 2026 8th Grade Promotions
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Visions In Education’s 2026 8th Grade Promotions
Throughout the month of May, Visions In Education honored its graduating eighth graders across Northern California in a series of heartfelt promotion ceremonies held within the Perry, Valenzuela, Albright, Cole, and Lynch communities of both the Home School and Online Middle School Academies.
Students gathered with family, friends, and educators to mark not just the end of middle school, but the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and perseverance. For Visions, these ceremonies carry a meaning that goes beyond a single milestone as they are a testament to the collective effort of students, families, and staff who made each achievement possible.
Online Middle School Celebrates Second Year
This promotion season held special significance for the Online Middle School Academy, now celebrating the completion of its second full year. The evening quickly became memorable when Online Middle School Academy Principal Brian Albright took the stage and delivered a speech infused with Gen-Z slang, adding some colorful language crafted by the younger generation. Hear Principal Albright’s Speech in the video below.
Visions’ Director of Instruction, Jerad Hyden, captured the moment perfectly in a follow-up message to staff: “Principal Albright, your speech was absolutely a highlight, connecting with students using middle school vernacular was, as they would say, ‘no cap.’ It brought laughter and authenticity to the evening and perfectly captured the spirit of our OMS community.”
Before walking the stage, students were asked to deliver a rose to someone in their life that impacted them during their time spent in middle school. Each rose that was handed out represents the appreciation of the student to those who worked tirelessly to help them reach this day.
For Director Hyden, witnessing the night unfold reinforced everything that makes Visions unique: “It was truly amazing to see the proud families in attendance and to witness the genuine care and connection shared between our staff and students. One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was hearing each teacher speak about their students’ personal accomplishments and memories.”
See photos from our Online Middle School Promotion below
Home School to High School
At our Home School promotions, students were able to celebrate alongside their peers while expressing their joy through musical performances and prepared speeches to help articulate the impressive work being done in our middle school academies. Home School Principal Heidi Perry offered words that spoke to the character of the graduating class.
“What stands out so clearly is the heart of this class,” Principal Heidi Perry said. “Over and over your teachers described you as kind, respectful, funny, caring, creative, and genuine. They spoke about students who helped siblings, supported families, pursued music, theater, arts, athletics, technology, science, writing, entrepreneurship, and countless other passions with enthusiasm and purpose.”
During our first eighth grade promotion held in Lodi, the audience was entertained by promoting eighth grader Gavin P. who performed “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore alongside his band, Broken Headphones.
See photos from our Home School Promotions below
Attending family and friends in Citrus Heights were also treated to a guitar performance by promoting eighth graders Josiah A. who performed a guitar solo at the Cole community promotion, Milani O. for her vocal performance at the Valenzuela community promotion, and Abigail Z. who delighted the crowd with a violin performance for the Lynch community.
As these students look ahead to high school, Visions In Education looks back on a promotion season that was a celebration of community and a reminder of just how far students can go when they have the right people in their corner. Best of luck in your future endeavors!