Thomas Middle School graudated 272 eighth graders on Monday evening. There were 11 students who received recognition for earning a 4.0 all three years in school. 

Arlington Heights School District 25 board members were present and six students delivered graduations speeches at John Hersey High School. 

District 25 Board of Education's president David Page and board member Charles Williams attended the ceremony.

"Seize every opportunity," Superintendent Sarah Jerome said to the graduating class. 

"As you enter a new and wondrous chapter in your lives, enter with the idea you can succeed in anything. said Principal Brian Kaye. "Enter it with a positive attitude and you will get the real A's in life, congratulations class of 2012."