On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Warner Middle School hosted its annual 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the departing class as they prepare to transition to high school this fall.

Led by Principal Dr. Simpson, Assistant Principal Mr. Newsock, and the eigth-grade team teachers, the evening highlighted the academic dedication, leadership, and character of students across all academic teams.

Awards were presented across several prestigious categories, recognizing excellence in academics, citizenship, attendance, and athletics. Among the honors were the Gold and Silver President’s Education Awards — a national program recognizing graduating middle schoolers for exceptional hard work and academic growth. The school also presented the Archie Griffin Award to standout student-athletes demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship.

In a special highlight of the evening, Dr. Simpson presented the newly established Legacy Award. This premier honor was awarded to an elite group of students who maintained flawless straight A's throughout their entire three years at Warner Middle School. The award was presented to three students who earned the recognition: Bailey Brehm, Sophia Dugan, and Elise Grohnke.

Congratulations to all of our incredible 8th-grade award winners! The Warner community is incredibly proud of your hard work and wishes you the absolute best as you step into high school this fall.

Find photos from the event in the online photo gallery.

8th Grade Award Recipients

Team Eagles
Emili Aguilar, Bentley Casey, Kinley Cazzell, Addison Chambliss, Broderick Dill, Sophia Dugan, Violet Durflinger, Charles Edwards, Juliana Evans, Riley Evoniuk, Morgan Fleming, Isaac Frauman, Eli Furlow, Victoria Grimes, Elise Grohnke, Garrett Guthrie, Amauri Haerr, Ross Harshbarger, Maraobi Iwuanyanwu, Ethan Johnson, Gabriella Jordan, Travis Lewis, Dreyonna McKinnon, Paisley Neal, Destiny Norvell, Avery Pitzer, Myleigh Roberts, Derrick Shirley, Zane Stafford, Logan Stanley, Hunter Stidham, Alison Tuck, Christopher Weaver, Daxtyn Yates.

Team Nationals
Cruz Alvarado Gonzalez, Amarah Arehart, Sophia Betzner, Terry Bradley, Bailey Brehm, Simeon Bruce, Erica Cassell, Jayde Cobb, Karmello Dickason, Avillyn Emerick, Karissa Emerick, Brandon Ferris, Jr., Aaron Gehrich, Ireland Gregg, Gibson Guyton, British Hardy, Paisley Hill, Braison Howard, Wyatt Jackowski, Bailey Jenkins, Owen Landis, Ethan Luman, Haylynn Mickle, Maylan Reed, Jonathan Roman, Emery Scott, Isabella Scott, Ava Shoemaker, Peyton Spencer, Britton Stroble, Aiden Taylor, Karmah Vickers-Thompson, Adrianna Vance, Daniel Williams.

Team Patriots
Aiden Albert, Juan Barajas, Ellie Beam, Kennedi Boude, Kayden Bradley, Chesney Breeding, Adriana Brittingham, Lucas Cade, Emma-Lynne Cluff, Soraya Greene, Martin Jones, Lillian Knick, Tucker Lamb, Trent Mitchell, Ian Novosel, Alasia Patrick, Addison Patterson, Caleb Reedy, Jadalynn Riley, Graclynn Smith, Makaya Smith, Payton Stewart, Isabella Tope, Gracelynn Thomas, Makyah Truss, Franki Young.

Team Stargazers
Alonzo Alredge, Pierce Anderson, Jewlious Burnett, Elaina Carson, Payson Conley, Lily Logan.

Online Edge
Avaleigh McCurry, Natalie Premo, Paige Shumaker, Kylie Wainscott.