Grand Avenue Middle School’s Class of 2026 celebrated its moving up ceremony on June 12 with three ceremonies held in the school auditorium. 

Eighth-grader Shira Rosen performed the Star-Spangled Banner at all three ceremonies. The school’s vocal ensemble, Grand Voices, led by director Amanda Cantwell, also performed “For Good,” featuring soloists Shira Rosen and Daniella Capritto. 

Principal Carlo Conte reflected on the students’ time at Grand Avenue by referencing the opening of the school’s 1976 time capsule just days earlier. 

"We literally reached into the wall and opened a time capsule left for us 50 years ago," he recalled. "Opening that capsule made me realize something. Those students from 50 years ago were exactly like you. They wondered what their own futures would look like. A legacy isn't something you find buried inside a wall. It's something you build every single day." 

Student speakers Aidan Aurigemma, Carlyn Masiulis and Noelle Tuffarelli, representing their respective teams, also addressed their classmates and families. 

Mepham High School seniors Sofia Tibaldi and Bianca Mayo, along with Kennedy High School senior Cari Einbinder, shared advice and insights about the transition to high school.  

Einbinder reflected on her time at Grand Avenue and how it helped shape her involvement and experiences at Kennedy.  

She shared three pieces of advice that guided her throughout high school: find your people, don't wait, and be yourself. She encouraged students to seek out supportive teachers, coaches, advisors and mentors, in addition to friends. She also urged them to get involved by joining clubs, trying out for teams, attending meetings and pursuing leadership opportunities.  

Finally, she reminded students to stay true to themselves, explaining that while it is important to listen to advice and learn from others, they should not let anyone else define who they are.  

As a three-sport athlete, active community service volunteer and student government member, she told students, "I really could stand up here all day and talk about everything I did in high school and how much I loved it. I encourage you to figure out what you enjoy and what you don't. the reason why I stand here today, knowing what I want to study in college is not because I had some grand plan in eighth grade. it's because I gave myself the opportunity to explore different interests and figure it out along the way.” 

Conte was joined on stage by Assistant Principals James Mollica and Chris Riccardi, as well as members of the district’s central administration team.