East Islip Middle School honors Hannah Santoro with academic excellence award

The 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony at East Islip Middle School was a heartfelt celebration of resilience and achievement, held on June 24, 2025. As students prepare to transition to high school, the ceremony emphasized the importance of embracing new challenges and opportunities.

In a moving speech, a school representative encouraged the graduates, stating, "You have shown resilience, curiosity, and growth." The message resonated with the students, reminding them that while challenges lie ahead, each experience will contribute to their personal development. The speaker quoted Dr. Seuss, saying, "You're off to great places. Today is your day," inspiring students to view their future with optimism and courage.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Academic Excellence Award to Hannah Santoro, a standout student recognized for her exceptional academic performance and positive impact on her peers and teachers. Her English teacher praised her ability to think critically and express herself with clarity and sophistication, stating, "Hannah has amazed all of her teachers with her ability to grasp concepts quickly."

The ceremony concluded with a reminder for students to remain kind, focused, and supportive of one another as they embark on their high school journey. The future is bright for the Class of 2029, and the school community is excited to see what they will achieve next.