Merrick Avenue Middle School’s Class of 2025 celebrated its moving up on June 13 with two ceremonies on the school’s turf field.  

To kick off the ceremony, the vocal group Word of Mouth, led by director Dana Brandwein, serenaded the crowd with two songs. 

Principal Katelyn Dunn said she was full of ‘adoration, gratitude and hope’ for this year’s graduating class. 

“You’ve shown us time and time again what it means to be a community and not just in the way you cheer for each other or help others with their lockers or greet teachers with a smile, but in a way that you carry yourselves with kindness, empathy and respect.” 

Dunne said that this class ‘kept her on her toes, but in the best ways.’ 

“You asked the important questions, you spoke up when something didn’t feel right, you included others, you set up lunch meetings and appointments to talk about ways you want to raise money, you laughed easily and you showed how you care very deeply.” 

Hope Brugge, Grace Colapinto, Liam Mahoney and Emma Makowsky, student speakers from each of their respective teams, also addressed the crowd.  

Sophie Rees, a senior at Kennedy High School and Samantha Chaiken, a senior at Calhoun High School offered advice on what is to come in high school. 

Dunn was joined on stage by Assistant Principals Nicole Rhodes and Nathalie Job, as well as Superintendent of Schools Michael Harrington and Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Eric Gomez, Assistant Superintdent for curriculum Scott Bersin and Assistant Superintdent for Business Mikaela Coni.