East Islip Middle School honors Class of 2029 at Moving Up awards ceremony

East Islip Middle School held its 2025 Moving Up Awards Ceremony, where administrators, teachers and guests presented a series of academic, athletic and citizenship awards to students advancing to high school.

The ceremony, organized by the East Islip Union Free School District, highlighted departmental honors and schoolwide recognitions meant to celebrate student achievement and to encourage participation and leadership in the high school years. "It's with great honor that I welcome you to the 2025 East Islip Middle School Moving Up Awards Ceremony," said Nick Spiegler, assistant principal, as he opened the program.

Principal Anthony Montemarano addressed students directly about the transition to high school, urging them to take advantage of opportunities and to continue developing their character. "You are ready," Montemarano said. "I'm happy to be moving up alongside of you because I see a lot of potential in this group." Superintendent Paul Manzo also spoke to families and students, calling the evening a celebration of resilience and growth: "Good evening, families, friends, and our guest of honor, the class of 2029. Today, we celebrate you."

Major awards presented included the Rocky Gilmore Award for outstanding athletic ability, given this year to Gabby Shore and Joe Amato; schoolwide excellence awards presented to students including Hannah Santoro and Zion (listed among winners); character and citizenship awards, including the Wendy Rouse Citizenship Award presented to McKenna Kohler and Owen Gwalek; and the Civic Ambassador recognition, highlighted by staff nominations for service and civic engagement. Presenters emphasized academics, leadership, and community service when introducing winners.

Teachers and department directors recognized a broader set of student recipients for subject-specific and academic-excellence awards during the program. Staff members named and read brief nominations for winners, citing examples such as leadership in student government, consistent lesson attendance in band, academic performance and community service projects. Staff also thanked district administrators, Board of Education members and support staff for their roles in the school year.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations from school leaders and logistical notes about students picking up eighth-grade packets in the cafeteria. "That concludes our ceremony for this evening. Our students will exit to the cafeteria to receive their eighth grade packets," Montemarano said, and he closed by wishing the students well as they move on to high school.

The event served as a formal recognition of individual achievements and as an encouragement for students entering the next chapter of their education within the East Islip Union Free School District.