Students at Lynbrook’s North and South middle schools celebrated the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another as they graduated from middle school on June 25 and 26, respectively.

At both North and South, students entered to the theme of “Pomp and Circumstance” as their loved ones looked on. Speakers during the North ceremony included Principal Sean K. Fallon and class speaker Gianna Longo, while South’s valedictorian Kate Santoli and salutatorian Kelsey Roth, as well as Principal Kaitlin GaNun offered words of wisdom and reflection. Various awards were presented during both graduations as well.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to be saying welcome to graduation to everybody,” Fallon said. “A few short months ago, getting together for graduation was definitely not a guarantee, but here we are thankfully.”

Longo said she can’t believe how quickly the time’s gone, and she complimented her fellow classmates for a job well done.

“When we first stepped into this building together in fifth grade for orientation, none of us could have imagined being out on this field today,” Longo said. “To each student here this evening, you should be immensely proud of yourself. After three very entertaining, difficult and stressful years, we have finally made it to this point.”

At South, Santoli spotlighted a landmark that students passed every day during their time in the school for inspiration.

“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears and never regrets,” Santoli said. “This quote, painted on a wall at South, has been passed by hundreds of students. The mind never gets tired of learning, is never afraid of gaining knowledge and flourishes when exposed to new things. Learning strengthens our minds and allows us to persevere through difficult times.”

Principal GaNun thanked the visitors for their support during a challenging time, but saved a major token of appreciation for the graduating class as well.

“Thank you to our graduates for giving us a wonderful reason to gather here together tonight in celebration and honor of you,” GaNun said. “I’m a teacher at heart, and I try to motivate the students to be the best that they can be every single day. I stress the importance in giving 110% in everything they did, and these students took that to heart.”

Students followed at both schools by accepting their diplomas before they left their respective graduations and prepared for their next step as the Lynbrook High School Class of 2025.

North Photo Gallery

South Photo Gallery