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