Approximately 320 eighth-graders from H.B. Thompson Middle School officially advanced to Syosset High School during their moving up ceremony held at the Tilles Center at LIU Post. In doing so, they left their ‘handprints’ on three years of great accomplishments and memories.
This year’s class theme was “Handprints on HBT.” Student Council member Aidan Charlip served as the Master of Ceremonies, while fellow council member Muntaha Sabir led her classmates through the reflections of the last three years, giving her personal perspective into life at HBT.“Throughout our middle school careers, we have laughed and cried together, succeeded and celebrated, all with the help of those who care about us, our teachers, families and friends,” said Muntaha, who recalled her first day at HBT in 2014 and the fear and difficulty she experienced of adjusting to a new community and new school. “As I started to meet new friends, I can’t recall what I was so afraid of. Everyone was so welcoming and our teachers made it their number one priority to make us comfortable in this new environment.”
After running through the list of tasks it takes to master middle school such as learning to use lockers and getting from class to class on time, Board of Education member Susan Parker applauded the HBT Class of 2017 for all of their accomplishments and for taking advantage of the many clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities available to them. “Education here is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach,” said Parker.“HBT will forever be a part of us and now we will forever be a part of HBT. Even more significant than the handprints we leave on the school are the handprints left on us,” said Class of 2017 class member Samuel Kanterman who emphasized the confidence and leadership skills he and his classmates gained at the school.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tom Rogers and Principal James Kassebaum also provided inspirational messages to the students, as they were officially confirmed freshmen of Syosset High School.
Musical performances were also given by the HBT chamber orchestra, jazz band and eighth-grade graduation chorus. Jayden Cayne and Rachel Kessler led the presentation of colors.
↧