More than 450 eighth-graders from H.B. Thompson (HBT) and South Woods middle schools in Syosset transitioned to Syosset High School during their respective moving up ceremonies at the Tilles Center at LIU Post on June 20.
Addressing the more than 250 members of the HBT Middle School Class of 2016, eighth-grader Abigail Blick told her fellow classmates, “Today is where your book begins.” This was the theme for the HBT 2016 promotion ceremony, as Blick called upon the class to write their own stories in life.
“As of now, all of our books are mysteries, but it is up to you to determine how your book is written,” she said, referencing genres of romance, drama and fantasy in which dreams come true as possibilities to fill the pages. “Will your book be science fiction? Will you go to space? Will you cure cancer? How will you leave your imprint on the world?”
HBT Principal James Kassebaum thanked the parents, HBT faculty and staff and students, urging the latter to take the positive experiences and knowledge gained from middle school and use them to write successful futures in high school and beyond.
Before the more than 200 members of the South Woods Middle School Class of 2016 were officially promoted to Syosset High School, Principal Michelle Burget cited the group’s many accomplishments, including academics, athletics and, most notably, outreach to others in the community.
“Local hunger…we fought it. Dress others for success…you accomplished it. Replenishing New York’s blood supply…you stepped in and encouraged adults to provide. Crushing obstacles at BraveBolt so children fighting illness won’t face nearly as many…you did that too,” said Burget.
Offering additional messages of congratulations and advice to the students were Board of Education vice president April Neuendorf, board trustees Andrew Feldman and Tracy Frankel and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers, who inducted the middle school grads as the Syosset High School freshman class and into the three-year “seniors in training” program.
—Syosset Schools
