Celebrating the completion of one academic chapter and welcoming the beginning of the next, eighth-graders of West Hempstead Middle School commemorated their middle school years with a special moving up ceremony on June 23.

The Class of 2017 paraded in the high school auditorium, where proud parents and family members snapped photos, cheered and applauded alongside teachers, faculty members, administrators and members of the Board of Education. Middle School music teachers Wayne Heckler, Christopher Lovasz and Nicole Morace provided musical performances during the event.

Superintendent of Schools Patricia Sullivan-Kriss commended the students on this milestone achievement and encouraged them to explore all the new opportunities the high school has to offer.

“We are very proud of you all and your accomplishments over the past three years,” she said. “As you look ahead to high school, decide what you want to experience and let that passion flourish over the next four years.”

Congratulating the eighth-grade graduates, Middle School Principal Dina Reilly recognized the outstanding accomplishments of the eighth-grade class and offered sage advice as they head into high school.

“Take what you have learned from middle school and let it serve you well as you move forward to high school,” Mrs. Reilly explained. “To the graduating class of 2021 we wish you continued success, good luck and happiness as you become involved, study hard, and forge new friendships over the next four years.”

While conferring the diplomas to the Class of 2017, district tradition invites members of the West Hempstead Board of Education to present their children with diplomas. Board of Education President Karen Brohm and trustee Patricia Greaves presented the honorary certificates to their daughters Melissa and Morgan, respectively.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of awards and scholarships to graduates for academic excellence, outstanding character and good citizenship. In addition, Anthony Coppola and Paraskeve Tsirakidis were presented with the Senator Todd Kaminsky Junior Public Service Leadership Award for their leadership qualities, community service and accomplishments as students.

Welcoming the future West Hempstead High School Class of 2021, Principal Alvaro Escobar advised them to strive in their classes, develop their passions, practice tolerance, actively engage in helping the community and continue their quest of being lifelong learners.

The district congratulates the middle school graduates on this significant academic passage and wishes them continued success at West Hempstead High School.     

For the third consecutive year, West Hempstead Middle School has been named a No Place for Hate School by the Anti-Defamation League.

According to the ADL’s website, No Place for Hate is an initiative designed to create inclusive school communities by promoting unity and respect and empowering schools to reduce bullying, name-calling and other expressions of bias.

West Hempstead Middle School Principal Dina Reilly congratulated the students who had helped the school earn this designation once again. “Whether you’re moving on to the high school or carrying on in the middle school, make sure you continue to shine a light on the importance of promoting dignity and tolerance and creating an inclusive school atmosphere for all students, teachers and faculty,” she said.  

The distinction recognizes students, teachers and administrators for their development and training in bullying, harassment and discrimination. Participating schools complete ADL-approved activities and projects to promote unity and reduce bullying through involved discussions, active learning and action planning.

Among the ADL activities, the middle school instituted the “Beautiful Me” program for girls in grades 6-8, which focuses on positive self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the reward of helping others. Earlier this spring, the school participated in a “Pay It Forward” campaign, where students were rewarded with bracelets and certificates for performing small acts of kindness. Throughout the year, students participated in the PTA’s “Don’t Press Send” assembly to discuss cyberbullying, and sixth-graders contributed to small group lessons conducted by the guidance department about bullying versus conflicts. Lastly, the entire school community partook in P.S. I Love You Day, where students sent messages of kindness to teachers, staff and other students during lunch periods.

In the fall, the middle school will establish a Dignity and Tolerance club, designed to celebrate diversity and tolerance toward all students by combating bullying behaviors. Members of the DAT club will develop initiatives to create a more inclusive school culture.        

West Hempstead was selected as a winner of this designation among schools from the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester and Orange counties, and Northern New Jersey.

The district commends its students for earning this distinction and creating a welcoming environment in the middle school.