Blue Mountain Celebrates Eighth Graders En Route to High School

During his speech on Wednesday evening, eighth-grade student Joseph Fontana had a message for his classmates at Blue Mountain Middle School.

“Remember that with the right amount of support, each of us has the ability to thrive in high school and beyond,” he said.

The support the eighth-grade class can rely on was evident throughout Blue Mountain’s Moving Up Ceremony on June 25, 2025. Surrounded by teachers, staff, family and friends, the students were celebrated for completing middle school and praised for their readiness for what’s next.

The student procession that began the ceremony was accompanied by music from the seventh-grade orchestra, under the direction of teacher Samantha Hecht. Once the students were seated and the event began, Student Organization Co-Presidents Griffin Piccolo-Hill and Mackenzie Marte led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and were followed by Alicio Villanueva’s rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Principal Anthony Giovinazzi, who will retire at the conclusion of the school year, provided the evening’s introduction. He talked to the students about the importance of perseverance and integrity, and why embodying those character traits will serve them well in high school.

“Embrace the struggle,” Mr. Giovinazzi said. “Let the challenges you face fuel your determination.”

What followed were speeches by Fontana and classmate Kaelyn Acevedo that touched on similar themes. The latter delivered a poignant speech that touched on the strength she gained from classmates during the school year, when she and her family suffered the loss of her father, Miguel.

“Do not take today for granted,” Acevedo told her classmates. “Value what you have. Tomorrow is never promised.”

Following the student speeches, members of Blue Mountain staff announced the names of each honoree. The students each received a certificate from Mr. Giovinazzi as they crossed the stage. They were then congratulated by Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee, Blue Mountain Assistant Principal Anecia McGill, and Board of Education trustees Tomica Dietrich, Lauren Stanco and Cori Boudin.

The evening concluded with a reception in the adjacent Memorial Garden for the students, staff, family and friends.