This year’s eighth-grade class was welcomed into Syosset High School with moving up ceremonies. H.B. Thompson Middle School and South Woods Middle School held individual ceremonies for their students.
H.B. Thompson’s ceremony was held on the Syosset High School turf on June 18 to celebrate their 300 eighth-grade students. The Masters of Ceremony at the event were graduates Ananeah Danamjay and Chase Pendrick. The school’s Chamber Winds orchestra performed the Star Spangled Banner and student Charles Mo led the pledge of allegiance.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers and Principal Kevin Bonanno spoke to the class.
“No class has exemplified our motto of Hearts Beat Together better than all of you,” Bonanno said. “Three new initiatives began this year: our peer tutoring in the library, the buddy program, and most recently, HBT Unite. While adults helped in organizing, you made it happen. Your contributions to our school will continue even after you all move on next week.”
South Woods’ ceremony was held in the Syosset High School gymnasium on June 18. The 240 students were led by Masters of Ceremony Keslie Chin and Sophia Staller. The South Woods Select Chorus performed the Star Spangled Banner, and the pledge of allegiance was led by graduates Maggie Fennell and Drew Smiler.
At the ceremony, Board of Education Trustee Susan Falkove, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers and Principal Michelle Burget addressed the students. Students Savi Mahta and Blake Schoenberg spoke to their class as well.
“Today marks a milestone for all of you, in that it signals a poignant moment in your journey to adulthood, marking time and progress instead of distance,” Burget said.
At both ceremonies, students received their certificates from school administrators. Recipients of the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, the Presidential Award for Educational Achievement and various community service awards were recognized as well.
The eighth-grade students will enter Syosset High School next fall as freshmen, marking an important step in their academic journey.
