Levy Lakeside School’s sixth-grade students celebrated their moving-up ceremony on June 23 at Brookside School, an event filled with music, reflection, and celebration.

Families, faculty, staff, and district administrators gathered to honor the Class of 2026 as students marked the end of their elementary school journey and looked ahead to Merrick Avenue Middle School.

Principal Libby Trencheny congratulated the graduates and reflected on a lesson shared by author Jay Cooper during a visit to the school earlier this year.

“He reminded us that heroes are not just found in books and stories,” she said. “They are found in classrooms, in homes and in everyday life due to the actions we take and the choices we make.” She encouraged students to recognize their own strength and character as they move forward. “Each one of you is already a hero in your own story, Trencheny said. “It doesn't always involve big or dramatic moments. As Jay Cooper shared, courage doesn't always roar; heroic acts don't always come with bells and whistles. Sometimes it's the quiet voice that says, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”

Merrick Board of Education Vice President Linda Wilk spoke about embracing new opportunities and challenges.

“Middle school is waiting for you, and yes, it may feel exciting, a little scary, and a little unknown, and that's okay,” she said. “Every new step forward brings both challenges and opportunities. Remember, growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.”

PTA Co-Presidents Mara Litroff and Allison Sussman thanked administrators, staff members and parent volunteers for their support before addressing the graduates.

Reflecting on the traditions created by the PTA and parent volunteers throughout the students’ elementary years, Sussman shared, “As you prepare to leave elementary school and begin an exciting new chapter, we hope you carry these memories with you. Remember the friendships you've built, the lessons you've learned, the challenges you've overcome and the community that has cheered you on every step of the way.”

Students Samuel K. and Sawyer S. delivered the graduation speech on behalf of the Class of 2026, sharing fond memories of their elementary school years and reflecting on the friendships and experiences that shaped their time at Lakeside.

A highlight of the ceremony was the students’ performance of their traditional moving-up parody song, “A Million Dreams,” featuring lyrics rewritten by sixth grader Scarlett Perez and arranged by teacher Jeff Glemboski.

During the ceremony, Jennifer Meschkow, a Merrick Faculty Association building representative and fifth-grade ELA teacher, announced that this year’s class gift donation would benefit Hewlett House. This community resource center supports Long Islanders battling cancer.

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