Peconic Valley Middle School celebrates Class of 2025 at evening commencement

Peconic Valley Middle School held an evening commencement ceremony for its eighth-grade Class of 2025, with student speeches, a principal's statement confirming promotion requirements had been met and the presentation of diplomas before graduates processed out to Memorial Field.

Student speaker Eliana Killeen opened the formal remarks, welcoming families, faculty and local officials: "My name is Eliana Killeen, and I am honored to welcome every one of you tonight to this very special occasion." Several classmates followed with speeches that reflected on three years at the school and urged peers to "live in the moment," work hard and treat others with kindness.

Principal Dr. Portis told the audience that the students "have met all of the requirements of the New Jersey Department of Education and the Peconic Township Board of Education and are ready to be promoted to high school." Board and school representatives presented diplomas to students by name. Graduates symbolically turned their tassels and then exited to Memorial Field for pickup and photographs.

Nut graf: The ceremony combined traditional elements — the pledge of allegiance and national anthem — with multiple student speeches that emphasized growth, community and readiness for high school. The principal's announcement served as the formal statement that promotion requirements were satisfied under state and local education authorities.

Speakers at the event repeatedly highlighted personal growth, gratitude toward teachers and families, and preparedness for the next academic step. Student speaker Lydia Topps said the class had "remained strong" through challenges and urged classmates to "be your own person." Elena D'Amico thanked parents and caregivers for their support; Anastasia Sielski and other student speakers reflected on memories, school spirit and the transition to high school.

Several board members and faculty were named as diploma presenters during the roll call of graduates. The ceremony included long lists of student names called aloud; among those named in the transcript were Emma Drobick, Ava Coolidge, Marco Pizzariello, Amber Lechance, Gabriela Walrab, Lydia Topps, and many others listed during the presentation of diplomas.

The program closed with staff acknowledgements and instructions for families: graduates would exit to Memorial Field where families could pick them up and take photographs once students had reached the field. Organizers asked attendees to wait until all students had exited.

Ending: The ceremony ended with congratulations to the graduates and a reminder of summer safety. The principal and student leaders encouraged the Class of 2025 to carry the school's stated values — knowledge, spirit and promise — into high school.