East Meadow Middle Schoolers Moving on Up

Eighth-graders at Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools in the East Meadow School District culminated their time in middle school with special moving up ceremonies, held at each school on June 24. The ceremonies were laced with performances by school musical groups and poignant speeches by administrators.

In his address to the eighth-grade graduates, Superintendent of Schools Louis DeAngelo said, “Graduates, you have been taught well. You’ve proven to be academically competent and you’ve learned to be considerate and kind through programs here at the middle school…Just as you have flourished in middle school, I am sure you will continue to do well in high school.”

Woodland Middle School Principal James Lethbridge and W.T. Clarke Middle School Principal Stacy Breslin each spoke about the overwhelming growth that takes place in students during their middle school years, as well as the guidance they are given along the way. They also touted the many accomplishments of the eighth-grade graduating classes.

A highlight of each ceremony was the presentation of the Superintendent’s Award, given to a student at each middle school for his/her overall academic excellence. At Woodland, student Senya Huda was honored with the award, while at W.T. Clarke Middle School, the award was presented to both Joel Mathew and Elaine Xiao.

Photo courtesy of the East Meadow School District