Members of Birch School’s sixth-grade Class of 2026 celebrated a memorable milestone on June 24 as they graduated beneath an arch of black and gold balloons during their moving-up ceremony at Brookside School.  

Joined by family members, friends, faculty and staff, students reflected on the friendships, experiences and lessons that shaped their elementary school years while looking ahead to their future at Merrick Avenue Middle School. 

Student Council Co-Presidents Karlie H. and Naomi H. shared memories of spirit days, guest speakers, the class trip to Coleman Country Day Camp and a beloved third-grade cultural dance performance.  

“We had lots of fun learning about different cultures and also about the art of dance and different moves,” Naomi said. “This taught us how to work as a whole to create an amazing performance that we will never forget.” Classmate Harper reflected on the growth of the graduating class throughout their years at Birch. “As the years passed, we became stronger, more confident and more independent,” she said. “We know if we work hard, stay open-minded and stay focused, we can accomplish anything.” 

Merrick Board of Education Trustee Linda Wilk congratulated students on reaching this important milestone.  

“Today is about your achievements,” she said. “Each of you have spent years building friendships, learning new skills and discovering who you are. And today, we celebrate how far you've come.” As graduates prepare for middle school, she encouraged them to embrace new opportunities by following three pieces of advice: “Be curious, be kind, be yourself and stay connected. Community can help your roots grow strong.” 

PTA President Samantha LaPella thanked the teachers, staff and families who supported the students throughout their elementary school journey and reminded graduates of the lasting impact of their Birch experience.  

“Birch gave us roots, our memories gave us strength and our futures give us wings,” she said. “May you always carry the spirit of Birch School.” 

Principal Kerri Galante centered her remarks on lessons learned from the New York Knicks’ journey to the NBA Finals.  

“As I watched their championship journey, I realized there were a lot of lessons that connect to your time at Birch,” she said. “Think about it. No team wins a championship on the first day of practice.” Comparing classmates to teammates, teachers to coaches and parents to devoted fans, she encouraged students to continue working hard and supporting one another. “Championship teams aren't remembered because everything went perfectly,” Ms. Galante said. “They are remembered because they kept going when things got hard.” 

Continuing a longstanding tradition, Robert Normandeau, a Merrick Faculty Association board member and Birch music teacher, presented a donation to the Child Mind Institute on behalf of the Class of 2026.  

The ceremony ended with the recessional song, “Sieze the Day,” led by Music Teacher Robert Normandeau.