Congratulations Middle School Eighth Graders!
Congratulations to all the North Shore Middle School eighth graders who graduated on June 26, 2025! Principal Dr. Ryan O’Hara took the stage and welcomed his students as well as all their loving parents and family members to the Moving On ceremony in the North Shore High School Theatre. Principal O’Hara stated how proud he was of all his 8th graders and that they were more than ready to “Move On” to North Shore High School. He read them an original poem and thanked all the parents, faculty, board members, and administrators in the audience.
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis was introduced and reminded everyone that middle school is often thought of as the toughest years. He stated, “…that they have an amazing journey ahead of them where they will climb mountains, reflect, and learn from their climb, and go on to climb even bigger mountains…” Best of luck to the North Shore Middle School Class of 2025 and the North Shore High School Class of 2029!
During the ceremony, many of the eighth graders graciously received awards while others spoke about their years at North Shore Middle School including Gabrielle Glatt, Rohan Chopra / Nate Horstmann, Olivia Budhu, and Alexandra Schmitt.
Congratulations to the following students:
- Faculty Award: Jane Espinosa De Rozas, Gabrielle Glatt, Natalie Ford
- Board of Education Award: Luke Arboleda, Ryan Marco, Lucas Colletti, Emma DeBlasio
- Andrew Fierstein Award: Nate Horstmann, Amalia Carpenter, Andreas Michael
- Bob Williams Award: Michael Wagner, Hudson Pasch, David Gonzalez
- Striking Viking Award: Damiana Mitchell, Christina Cartagena
- Shore Award: Elena Maravel, Oscar Aberg, Sloane Bonvicino
- John Perro Award: Griffin Brancato, Lucas Colletti
- American Legion Award: Rohan Chopra, Eleni Amigdalos, Willow Lonigro
- The Kiwanis Club Award: Hailey Schwartz, Alexei Kallaur, Gwyneth Baehr, Lucas D'Altorio
- Principal's Academic Excellence Award: Rohan Chopra, Violet Curiale, Jane Espinosa De Rozas, Rowan Gruszecki, Christian Henley, Ava Kim, Lucas Marco,Damiana Mitchell, Yarabella Yang
Towards the end of the ceremony, all the eighth graders were individually called on to receive their diplomas during the “Presentation of Class” ceremony led by Principal Dr. Ryan O’Hara and Assistant Principal Dr. Maram Mabrouk. They had grown up so much during these three short years at the middle school and were all excited to move on to the high school where they could have more independence, take many new courses, and expand their circle of friends. In addition, Principal Eric Contreras was the first to warmly welcome his incoming freshman class to North Shore High School. He told them how proud he was and that he would always be here for them. He reminded them, “Not to change and that they are perfect the way they are today with all their imperfections....”
Principal O'Hara again congratulated his students and reminded them to come back and visit, especially since North Shore Middle School was just across the street! He then congratulated a very special group of teachers and staff that were retiring this year. After the ceremony, the students and their families were invited to take photos outside the high school!
Congratulations to all the North Shore Middle School eighth graders! We wish you, the Class of 2025, only the best as you “Move On” to North Shore High School. We know
you are ready for all the challenges and wonderful things ahead. Please enjoy your summer and we will see you in September!
Article and photos by Shelly Newman