Wantagh eighth graders wrote the last sentence of the middle school chapter of their lives, as they graduated on June 15 and officially became high school students. 

The outdoor evening ceremony, tucked between the classrooms where they spent so much time the past three years, was the culminating moment for 197 eighth graders. They processed out of the doors to “Pomp and Circumstance” and took their seats as proud family members applauded, cheered and snapped pictures.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, eighth grader Joseph Leone sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Wantagh Middle School Principal Anthony Ciuffo then addressed the graduates and talked about the important milestone they reached. He discussed what it means to be a Warrior and the willingness to overcome challenges.

“A Warrior understands that success is measured by how you respond to failure,” he said. “Every successful person has experienced setbacks. Every athlete has lost a game. Every musician has made mistakes. Every scientist has faced failure. Everyone has been scared or worried about what’s to come at some point in their life. What separates those who achieve their goals from those who do not, is not avoiding difficulty, but their willingness to face it head on and rise after it.” 

Students speakers reflected on the past and future. Natalie Rissland looked back on sixth grade and the changes that coming to middle school brought. Vivian Heron recounted the comforts of seventh grade, as they were more familiar with their surroundings, but also had harder classes and higher expectations. Sabrina Elmazi highlighted eighth grade memories like the competitions between the black and gold teams, field trips and signing each other’s yearbooks. 

Lucas Iacona talked about what’s ahead. He noted there will be more responsibility and new opportunities and the demands of high school will push them to grow, adapt and discover who they want to be. 

“Upon completion of high school, everyone will take different paths to pursue their dreams,” he said. “The uncertainty of what lies ahead is what makes this so powerful. We are standing ahead of a new journey that has the potential to shape the rest of our lives.”

Following the speeches, Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi announced each graduate and Mr. Ciuffo handed them their certificates.