On a lovely June 12 evening, the excited eighth graders of Wantagh Middle School walked out on to the school’s lawn to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstances,” setting the stage for their graduation ceremony. Caroline Ghitta, Jack Kearney, Isabel Nupp, Louis Pierce, William Recinos and Layla Sumberac led the Pledge of Allegiance before Emily McHale delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by words from four student speakers.

Angelina Indiviglia remembered the challenge of learning to navigate the confusing maze of sixth grade. 

“The transition from elementary school to middle school felt like entering a new world where I didn’t know anyone or anything,” she said. “Looking back now on my sixth grade experience, I realize that it taught us how to manage our time and become more responsible.”

Luke Rose recalled the growth experiences of seventh grade, when he and his classmates were able to join after-school sports, perform as musicians at Six Flags, and take their first midterms and honors classes.

“Seventh grade posed so many new opportunities for us to further our knowledge and skills beyond what we had previously learned,” Luke said. “All of these new experiences and plenty of familiar ones from sixth grade came together into an amazing year, a year when we were all able to get a better look at ourselves and our futures.” 

Giada Petrillo reflected on eighth grade, comparing it to the S.E. Hinton novel, “The Outsiders,” which she and her classmates had read at the beginning of the school year.

“This story, much like eighth grade, is filled with themes such as change and conflicts,” Giada said, noting how they faced new challenges in finding friends.

“This change could lead us to feel like an outsider sometimes,” she added. “It’s tough to find where you belong when you’re surrounded by cliques, clubs and sports teams. This is an emotion almost all of us share at one moment, and we can use these shared emotions to support one another and build each other up.”

Isabelle Seluga then looked ahead to the next chapter of their academic careers.

“These past three years have been an exciting rollercoaster ride,” Isabelle said. “There have been many ups and downs, twists and turns, and maybe even a few malfunctions, but the time has come for this middle school ride to end. No matter how fun it was, we must make our way to the exit and move on to the next adventure. As we enter high school, there will be challenges, failures and letdowns. In the moment it may not feel like it, but these mistakes will help guide us.”

A bittersweet moment came when the school honored the memory of student Joshua Encarnacion, who lost his battle with cancer in 2023, and recognized his family, who were in attendance.

“If Joshua was here, he would want the best for everyone and for you all to have a fun and exciting high school experience,” said his sister, Wantagh High School junior Calaya Encarnacion. “To lose someone so close to you or even in your grade is not easy at all. Each and every one of you should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished, because he definitely is. Know that Joshua’s spirit, guidance and light will shape this high school Class of 2029 in ways that will never be forgotten.”

Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrochi then introduced each student as they proudly strode up to the stage to receive their diplomas from Principal Anthony Ciuffo, who addressed his students one final time.

“Congratulations to all of our Warriors on this great achievement, and best of luck to you as you move on to this next important chapter in your lives,” Ciuffo said. “We are proud of the hard work, courage and resilience that you’ve already exhibited and are excited about all the incredible things that have yet to come for each one of you. Go forward with courage. Be curious, be bold, be Warriors, and remember, your future is not something that just happens, it’s something you build one determined, passionate step at a time.”