Jonas E. Salk Middle School's Class of 2026 are officially freshmen at General Douglas MacArthur High School following their moving up ceremony on June 11.

Held in the Salk gymnasium, parents cheered as students processed toward their seats. Teacher Samantha McKevitt led opening remarks before Student Government President Ben Galvani led a salute to the flag and the eighth grade chorus sang the national anthem. Principal John Zampglione commended the class on their exemplary behavior. "One of the things that has always made me most proud of this class is a reputation you have built wherever we go of your respectfulness and the way you represented Jonas E. Salk Middle School," he said. "As your principal, there are few compliments that mean more."

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Jaclyn Guidice congratulated eighth graders and related their journey to the video game, "Minecraft." "If I asked you to start a brand new 'Minecraft' world today, you would all begin the same way - with nothing," she said. "Middle school is a lot like that... but you were ready to begin building, and build you did."

Staff members presented several special recognitions and awards to deserving students, including the Triple "C" Award, Scholar Athlete awards, the RISE Character Awareness Award and awards from Kiwanis representatives.

Addressing her peers, eighth grade President Olivia Liu reflected on the class's perseverance. "Hard work and dedication have brought us to this day where you all sit in front of me," she said. "Each and every one of you deserves this, and we couldn't have done it without our outstanding teachers."

Each student was called to cross the stage and shake hands with administrators and trustees before receiving their diplomas that marked them middle school graduates.

Jonas E. Salk Middle School eighth graders were ready to cross the stage before their moving up ceremony on June 11.Graduates processed toward their seats as parents cheered them on.Students received several awards, including Grace Foster, who received the RISE Character Awareness Award.Class President Olivia Liu addressed her peers.Students crossed the stage and shook hands with administrators, including their future principal, Joseph Sheehan.