Linden Avenue Middle School

Principal Stacie Fenn Smith leveled with her eighth grade class.

“The middle school years have a reputation for being messy, and with good reason,” she told them.

As childhood collides with adulthood, she explained, it’s only natural mistakes will be made. But, Linden Avenue Middle School’s principal said, “There’s a great amount of value in experiencing mistakes, disappointments, failures and productive struggle. When you overcome those negative experiences, you learn, you build confidence and you feel more prepared for future challenges.”

And, eighth grade students may just be ready to take on high school.

More than 150 LAMS students bid farewell to the school June 25 at the annual Eighth Grade Moving Up and Recognition Ceremony. The night highlighted the students’ accomplishments, while speakers focused on the idea of growth as they prepare for their next four years.

Class of 2029 advisors Lauren Cerulo and Jen Melitski led the event, which was held at the high school's Performing Arts Center. Class President Paolo Buitoni led the Pledge of Allegiance and Hannah Posner performed the national anthem.

The class - the school's biggest in more than five years - received advice and congratulations from speakers that included Board member Kate Kortbus and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Warden, in addition to their principal.

“We didn’t expect you to be perfect, because perfection wasn’t the goal,” Fenn Smith told them. “Growth was the goal.”

Warden explained to the students, “you’re right in that space between who’ve been and who you are becoming. … We are proud of who you are, we’re excited for who you are becoming. You’re ready for that next step and we’ll all be cheering you on, every step of the way.”

Before students were called to walk across the stage and receive their moving up certificates, many members of the class were honored with awards recognizing academic and athletic accomplishments, among other areas.

Isaac Shapiro was given the Outstanding Citizenship Award, which Assistant Principal Paul Brown explained recognizes leadership, concern for academic performance, dependability, responsibility, sensitivity toward others and dedication to the school. In all, 21 students were announced as nominees for the honor. Travis Hughes and Gracyn Clements were also given the New York State Comptroller’s Award for good citizenship.

Eighty-four students were honored as having an average of 89.5 or better through the first three quarters of eighth grade, and twenty-seven more had an average between 84.5 and 89.4. Delia Werner earned the top academic honor, as having the highest grade-point average of any student through the sixth and seventh grades and the first three quarters of eighth grade.

Kortbus, mother of Class of 2029 member Schuyler Kortbus, spoke on behalf of the Board of Education.

“As you head into high school, be proud of who you are and who you’re becoming,” she said. “Take advantage of everything the high school has to offer. Explore, challenge, try new things. It goes by fast. Parents, it goes by lightning fast, I promise you that.”

Before the night was complete, the students gathered together in front of the stage to watch a special video filled with their own baby pictures. Then, families continued the party outside the school with refreshments and photo opportunities.

“It’s been our honor and our privilege to know you and work with you and your families in these messy years,” Fenn Smith told them. “Please know that you’ll always have a home at LAMS and that we love you. The future is yours to shape and I can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make on this world.”