Bellmore-Merrick's middle schools move up in style

Throughout a day full of fanfare, pomp and circumstance, the Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue Middle Schools’ Class of 2023 celebrated their moving up on June 9 at four indoor ceremonies.

At Grand Avenue’s ceremony, Jake Schwartz sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was followed by Amanda Cantwell leading Grand Voices in a rendition of “You Will Be Found.”

While addressing the crowd, Principal Carlo Conte recalled a childhood memory about overcoming his fear of the basement.

“My fear in attempts to avoid the basement were just a habit — a habit that I finally overcame by facing it over and over until I became a little stronger, a little braver,” he recounted. “They say bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the strength to confront your fears head on. It’s the willingness to take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and pursue your passion — despite the uncertainty.”

Damian Hamilton, a student speaker during the session II graduation, talked about his trepidation when first starting Grand Avenue.

“Grand is so much more than school,” he said. “It is a nurturing community that brings us all together in the pursuit of success. Grand gave all of us an opportunity – whether that was a sport, a club or an education. The wide range of sports and clubs allowed me to connect with like-minded people.”

At Merrick Avenue, to kick off the ceremony, Word of Mouth, led by director Dana Brandwein sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “True Colors.”

Assistant Principal Kate Caporusso greeted guests, talking about witnessing the eighth graders transition during the last two years.

“It has been one of the great joys of my 25 years as an educator to watch them learn to enjoy middle school,” she said. “They started with masks and barriers and now they greet friendly faces with a smile. They know what it’s like to go through school with and without restrictions and appreciate a return to normal.”

Principal Katelyn Dunn emphasized students’ growth and perseverance during their middle school experience.

“Look ahead and do it with a confidence that you grew here,” she said. “Put your energy and focus on the possibilities.”

Guest speaker, Luke Feldman, a John F. Kennedy High School senior, recalled his feelings entering freshman year and how he expected to “coast through high school on the sidelines without much participation.”

“Only to find that high school and everything it offers provides everyone here the opportunity to make the next four years of their lives the best they’ve ever had,” the University of California Berkeley-bound Feldman said. “You just have to let yourself try and take that very first step outside of your comfort zone. I made my closest friends only after breaking out of my shell and my biggest regret is not having the courage to do it sooner.”