Merrick Union Free School District

Lakeside Sixth Graders Move Up to Middle School

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.