On June 9th, 2021 Jenks faculty, staff, students, and their families gathered together in person to celebrate the Class of 2021 at the 8th Grade Closing Ceremonies. This event was held outside in the school yard and thankfully the weather cooperated! After a challenging virtual school year the graduating class and their teachers were able to gather together, safely distanced, to celebrate their achievements.

The event began with a welcome from Principal Mary Lynskey before Jadyn Dutton, Class of 2021 Valedictorian, took the podium. After a few poignant words and the presentation of awards (recipients listed below) there was a tribute to parents and the presentation of certificates by teachers Mr. Jim Hilburt and Ms. Stephanie DeMaio.

Principal Lynskey then gave an emotional closing - her last after her 14 years at the Jenks Academy for the Arts and Sciences - as she retires this July.

Congratulations, Class of 2021! We are very proud of you and wish you all the very best!

2021 Valedictorian: Jadyn Dutton
Reading: Naleyah Williams
Writing: Eleanor Palmer
Math: Shawn Howard
Science: Anaya Boston
Social Studies: Jadyn Dutton
Technology/Computers: Jessiah Thorne
Art: Clarissa Lanzas
Music: Kenneth Felton
Physical Education: Kelvin Stichel
Louis Giorno award: Jessiah Thorne

The Louis Giorno award is given to the 8th grader that best represents his motto: "Always do your best, but make your best, better than the rest." Mr. Giorno was a school teacher and Dean of Students for over 35 years in the Philadelphia Schools, with most of those years at the Jenks Academy for the Arts and Sciences.