Date Added: 6/26/2025

In a ceremony filled with songs and celebration, Levy Lakeside School graduated its sixth grade class on June 25 in the John F. Kennedy High School auditorium. 

Principal Libby Trencheny addressed graduates, referencing the lyrics to “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. 

“Let those words remind you that your future is yours to create,” she began. “You don’t need to follow someone else’s path. This is your time to explore, to dream, and to discover what makes you - you. When you take ownership of your journey, you gain the pride, confidence, and strength that come with it.” 

Kailyn and Aditya delivered the graduation speech on behalf of the class, recalling fond memories from each grade level. 

 “Everything that our teachers have for us has helped shape us into who we are today,” Aditya said. “Some of the many life lessons we have been taught are always to be kind, it’s not what you do but rather how you do it, never judge a book by its cover, and treat everyone the way you want to be treated.” 

Board Vice President Linda Wilk told the crowd, encouraging the new graduates to ‘embrace fresh opportunities and challenges.’ 

“Each of you has a unique story of perseverance and success,” she said. “At Lakeside School, you had the beginnings of a bright future. Now you are about to write the next part of your story, and the blank pages ahead are full of potential.” 

PTA Co-Presidents Andrea Kaplan and Mara Litroff thanked staff administrators and parent volunteersahead of addressing the graduates. 

“As you move onto seventh grade at MAMS, some things might look a little different and some might stay the same,” Kaplan said. “You will embark on new adventures, form new friendships and achieve more than you thought was possible.” 

Students sang their traditional parody, this year to Miley Cyrus’ “Moving On.” Sixth graders, Isabella S., Isabella H., and Nina rewrote lyrics. The song was arranged by Choral Director Jeff Glemboski. 

Jennifer Meschkow, a Merrick Faculty Association building representative and a fifth grade ELA teacher, announced that this year’s donation in honor of the Class of 2025 would be to the Hewlett House, a community resource center supporting Long Islanders battling cancer. 

Click here to view the Lakeside Sixth Graders Move Up to Middle School slideshow.

Date Added: 6/25/2025

Forty-seven Chatterton sixth-graders celebrated their moving-up ceremony on June 24, in a sea of blue and gold pomp and circumstance. 

Members of the color guard handed over duties to the Class of 2026 ahead of the ceremony during a presentation of flags. 

Principal Dana Bermas recalled memories of resiliency and leadership with her sixth-grade students. 

“Throughout this year, you have shown us what true leadership looks like. Real leadership is about lifting others up and showing kindness to those who need it most.” 

Specifically, she discussed the mentorship programs between sixth graders and younger students, the inclusion of classmates who might have felt left out, and the importance of displaying integrity. 

“You have learned that being a leader means being brave enough to be yourself while helping others find their courage.” 

Merrick Board President Jill Levine offered some words of advice for these incoming middle schoolers. 

“Things are not always easy, but they are always worth it,” she began. “Go do great things – we know that you can. And if those things aren’t as great as you hoped it would be at first, always remember to keep trying. Everyone’s great is different.” 

Jackey Cacioppo and Tara Lupo, PTA representatives, addressed the graduates as well, about facing a new school, students and experiences.” 

“Stay connected and grounded in who you are,” Cacioppo said. “Don’t let a bigger pond let you feel different and forget the brilliance that you bring. Be king, be curious and be smart.” 

Elise, a Student Council representative, addressed the crowd, about her role in civic activism over the last two years. 

“I have been helping to inspire younger students on how to change the Chatterton and local community,” she said. “The whole school has collected countless items and donations such as pet supplies, canned and non-perishable food items, books and much more.” 

Traci Colfer, a Merrick Faculty Association board member and Chatterton teacher, presented a donation to the Children’s Cancer Fund on behalf of the Class of 2025. 

Dr. Richard Nasto coordinated choral arrangements of “Chatterton Memories,” written by student Elise, to Maroon 5’s “Memories” and “I Will Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus.   

Click here to view the Chatterton Moves Up Class of 2025 Eagles slideshow.

Date Added: 6/24/2025

Birch School graduated 97 members of its sixth-grade Class of 2025 beneath an arch of black and gold balloons on stage at John F. Kennedy High School on June 23. 

Student Council Co-Presidents, Harper and Brody greeted guests and recanted fond memories from their time at Birch. 

“As the years passed, we became stronger, more confident, and more independent,” said Harper. “We know if we work hard, stay open-minded and stay focused, we can accomplish anything.” 

Board Trustee Jill Levine spoke of the students’ growth over their seven-year tenure at Birch. 

“You have been met with challenges… but you did it,” she added. “You are strong, you are flexible, you are resilient, and you are courageous. These qualities are now a part of you forever and I do not doubt that they will help you succeed even more in your future.” 

PTA Co-President Courtney Ramirez discussed the ‘new schedules, new classes new teachers, new friends’ that lie ahead for Birch graduates. 

“The Birch School has given you a strong foundation that you will be able to build on in middle school and beyond,” he said.  

Principal Kerri Galante said she tries to focus her moving-up speeches on a topic the students can connect to.  

While delving into her analogy about group chats, Galante noted how these became students’ ‘digital hangout spot’ for sports teams, classwork discussions, and more. 

“Group chats are where a lot of your everyday life happens,” she quipped. “So let’s imagine your time at Birch as one big group chat. On your first day of elementary school, it was like being added to a group chat. You didn’t know everyone yet, but you were ready to start typing, ready to take part in a conversation. You were curious, maybe a little nervous and, excited to see who else was in this thread. Over the years, your group chat has grown. You’ve made new contacts – your friends. You’ve had long message threads filled with learning, laughter, and occasional disagreements. You’ve sent knowledge and received support and maybe even dropped some reactions and emojis along the way.  

As the graduates get ready to move onto MAMS, Galante added that ‘it’s like starting a new group chat.’  

“The faces will change, the topics will grow, and the conversations will get deeper. You’ll get the chance to share even more about who you are,” she said. 

Deb Vernice, a Merrick Faculty Association board member and Birch teacher, presented a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of the Class of 2025. 

Click here to view the Birch Beavers Move Up to Middle School slideshow. 

Date Added: 6/23/2025

Chatterton students enjoyed games, activities, and treats during Peace & Friendship Day on June 20.  

Graff Lab Studio visited, and the kids were able to create custom T-shirts, their own stuff-an-eagle, or customized trucker hats. The students also enjoyed friendly competition in lots of field games.  

Thank you to the school staff and PTA for coordinating this incredible day! 

Click here to view the Chatterton’s Eagle Spirit Flies High at Peace & Friendship Day slideshow.

Date Added: 6/20/2025