Briarcliff Middle School Graduates Look Ahead to High School

The traditional walk down the sidewalk from BMS to BHS for Middle School graduation was detoured this year due to construction, but there was something fabulous about the Class of 2022 taking a first walk together through the halls of BHS to the auditorium to receive their diplomas.
Flag-bearers Lyle Anderson and Joshua Linett led their classmates into the Frances G. Wills Auditorium as Marina Varriano performed Hall of Fame (The Script) where friends, family, teachers, and district administrators anxiously awaited seeing them stand on stage one last time as middle schoolers. After taking the stage, Madeline Martinez guided her classmates and the audience through the Pledge of Allegiance followed immediately by the 8th Grade Band Ensemble’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Principal Mrs. Susan Howard greeted guests and said that people often remark to her that she’s been a middle school principal for a long time and inquire how she does it. “As I look up at the stage tonight, I see 117 of the reasons!”
She went on to explain that middle school has a certain "reality television quality” to it, “What will they wear? What will they say? How will we react?” but she assured parents that overall the class has made good decisions and they have made her proud. She concluded saying, “It really is an honor to be here with you tonight.”
She then introduced substitute teacher Ms. Jaimie Montebello, who was selected by the student body as the educator to address the class, “Although she has not been in Briarcliff for long, she’s made our students feel loved and cared for and she helped them grow as 8thgraders.”
Ms. Montebello, whose deep appreciation of being selected was clear and she kept her remarks short and sweet ending with some solid advice for the graduates, “Changes, especially difficult ones, ultimately afford us with the most growth. My advice for you as you enter high school is: do not be afraid of new beginnings, be kind, and be humble. Make us proud Class of 2022!”
Next, four students – Clara Barden, Lucas Martin, Sara Renz, and Emily Snider – shared their reflections on the past three years at BMS. One student closed with a Dr. Seuss quote that perfectly summed up their comments, “You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!”
Diplomas - and special gifts from the Briarcliff PTA! - were then presented to each graduate by Mrs. Howard, Superintendent Dr. James Kaishian, and Board of Education President Jennifer Rosen as their names were read by classmates Scott Becker, Corrine Cheong, Giovanni Culotta, Noreen Hussein, Marlena Kuhn, Trevor Lazarus, Luella Luttkas, and Benjamin Young.
In an especially touching moment of the ceremony, after Mrs. Howard presented the BHS Class of 2022, the graduates' dedicated teachers were asked to stand as the gave them a round of applause! Dr. Kaishian then stepped to the podium and laughed as he told everyone that this class has a reputation for being precocious, “and that’s a good thing. Middle school is for trying things out, but high school is the time to show everyone what’s on the inside. You should be extraordinarily excited about the change. I encourage you to let your insides out. I look forward to your journey through high school and to celebrating all you’ve accomplished in another four years.” He then put on his trendy “clout glasses” underscoring his message of “being catalysts who starts trends instead of being followers of them.”
The evening concluded with Nathan Golovscenko performing High Hopes by Panic in the Disco as the class exited the auditorium.