Family Tides
Under twinkling lights, amid the flash of cameras, Atlantic Christian School’s eighth-grade class took the stage one by one, receiving awards, scholarships and diplomas, officially marking their next step: high school.
The private, nondenominational Christian school in Egg Harbor Township, which serves students from 18 months through 12th grade, held its Eighth Grade Blessing Ceremony on June 12. The event featured prayer, heartfelt speeches from teachers and words of wisdom from the 2025 valedictorian, Sophia Johnson, as students prepared to take on their next chapter.
Starting high school marks a major milestone — one that brings tougher classes, new responsibilities and the balancing act of academics, sports, extracurriculars and friendships. It’s also when many students begin thinking more seriously about their futures and the kind of person they hope to be.
After the ceremony, a few eighth graders shared what they’re most excited (and even a little nervous) about as they get ready to start high school.
Gaebriel Hahn-Chaney, 14, Galloway
Gaebriel Hahn-Chaney’s eighth-grade year had its standout moments — like a recent class trip to Six Flags Great Adventure — but what he remembers most are the times he spent with friends and “laughing a lot.”
“Basically just being social and hanging out with friends and stuff,” he said of his eighth-grade highlights.
Hahn-Chaney, who’ll be staying at Atlantic Christian for high school, said basketball and sports have him most excited for freshman year. He’s also looking forward to science class but knows the biggest challenge will be tackling the heavier workload.
But before high school begins, he has a summer full of fun on deck.
“I’m going to Niagara Falls. Having a lot of sleepovers with friends and stuff, and I’m going to South Carolina and Virginia,” he said.
If he could give his future high school self a bit of advice, Hahn-Chaney keeps it simple (and practical).
“Pay attention in class and take notes,” he said.
Emily Kinch, 14,
Egg Harbor Township
For Emily Kinch, one of the highlights of eighth grade was “growing friendships.”
As she prepares to attend Atlantic County Institute of Technology in the fall, she said she’ll miss the memories she made with people in eighth grade.
Even though she may be leaving some friends behind and starting somewhere fresh, she’s excited about entering the school’s cosmetology program. She also hopes to participate in volleyball and softball.
Over the summer, she’s looking forward to hanging out with her friends and “trying to get as much stuff done as possible and getting a ton of money.”
Looking ahead to high school, Kinch has some advice for her high school self: “Keep the friends who are truly good to you closer than the people who make you popular.”
Brielle Major, 13,
Egg Harbor Township
Like her classmates, Brielle Major said the best part of eighth grade was socializing with friends.
As she’s heading to Egg Harbor Township High School this fall, Major said she’ll miss her “teachers and how easy the work was.”
Even so, she’s still got big plans for high school (though she’s a little worried about the social aspect of high school).
“I want to learn more about law and agency,” Major said, adding she’s hoping to explore volleyball, basketball, track and cheerleading.
Major has exciting summer plans, too, including going on a cruise and traveling to Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Her advice for her future high school self?
“Keep a small circle and let God be the center,” Major said.
Lillian Porreca, 14,
Egg Harbor Township
“My friends. I loved seeing my friends at school,” Lillian Porreca said, reflecting on what she’ll miss most about her eighth-grade year. “And specifically my math teacher, Mr. Dickson. He was a lot of fun.”
Porreca, who is staying at Atlantic Christian for high school, said she’s excited to “meet new people and learn more things.” Like some of her peers, she’s worried about keeping up with her schoolwork and having new teachers.
But Porreca is already thinking big for the future.
“I want to be a doctor so I can help people in need,” she said.
Porreca also hopes to join the softball team and plans to continue participating in the school’s theater program. In the meantime, she’s heading off to Disney World this summer for a family vacation.
As for her future high school self, she’d warn her to “stay out of drama.”
“Keep close friends. Keep your friends close,” she said.
