The 8th Grade year culminates in a Saint Patrick Catholic School rite of passage - The 8th Grade Panel Presentation.

Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, 8th grade students look back at their time at Saint Patrick and write an essay about their growth in each of the five domains of The Graduate at Graduation. Students critically review these essays, incorporate feedback from peers, teachers, and advisors, and then revise and edit their work with close attention to the traits of effective writing.

Using their essay as a guide, each 8th grade student gives an oral presentation to a panel of community members.

To learn more about this remarkable 8th grade rite of passage, read reporter Denise Watson's Virginian-Pilot article which follows a graduate, Ridge Wilson, as he prepares for his panel presentation: Growth, Reflection and Basketball.