Merrick School District

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.