Blue Mountain Middle School’s Eighth Graders Ready for High School Move

The eighth-grade class at Blue Mountain Middle School certainly looked and sounded ready for the next step in their academic careers during the school’s annual Moving Up Ceremony on Monday, June 24.

The ceremony was held outdoors next to the school’s Memorial Garden and included student musical performances and student speakers. The eighth graders also received words of encouragement from district leaders before they were presented with their certificates by Principal Anthony Giovinazzi and Assistant Principal Anecia McGill.

“Students, you have proven you can be responsible, communicative, empathetic, open-minded and critical thinkers,” Giovinazzi said, complimenting this year’s class for the progress it has shown. “These traits will help you in high school and beyond.”

The honorees made their procession to music performed by the seventh-grade band and led by Director Katherine Filatov. Student Organization Co-Presidents Avery Mazzola and Madison Parkes recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Santiago DaSilva, Whitney Goldman, Sheccid Lalvay Campos and Ava Mock performing the Star-Spangled Banner, led by Music/Choral teacher Kimberly Dunkin.

Lucas Visconti and Mackenzie dePrado each delivered a speech on behalf of the class. dePrado noted that the class had made memories they will remember forever, “and there is no one I would’ve rather experienced them with.”

“Words can’t express how proud I feel to be a part of this class,” Visconti added.

Ms. Filatov also led the eighth-grade band in its final performance together; they played “Remember Me” in a musical interlude just prior to the Presentation of Certificates.

“Congratulations,” Michael A. Tromblee, Hendrick Hudson’s Superintendent of Schools, said in his address. “Continue to make us proud.”