Student government president Caden Triolo received the New York State Comptroller's Achievement Award during the Jonas E. Salk Middle School moving up ceremony on June 11. The award was announced by counselor Michelle Lyons. It was a moment to remember for the eighth grade class at Jonas E. Salk Middle School, who marked their official moving up to high school on June 11.

The Class of 2028 processed onto the neighboring General Douglas MacArthur football field, basked in golden sunlight. Parents and loved ones in the bleachers cheered as "Pomp and Circumstance" played. Student Aidan Lazzarini led the Pledge of Allegiance before the eighth grade chorus sang the national anthem.

"Today marks not just the end of middle school, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities, opportunities and dreams," Principal John Zampaglione told graduates. "You have shown remarkable dedication, intelligence and kindness over your years at Salk Middle School."

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Debbie Rifkin, who will retire this school year after an 18-year career in Levittown, congratulated graduates and encouraged them to keep moving forward. "Each of you has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of challenges ? and for that, you should be immensely proud," she said.?

Caden Triolo, president of Salk's student government, addressed his peers. "Over the past few years, each and every one of us has not only learned about solving math equations or understanding science terms, but we have also learned core values like teamwork, friendship, grit and determination," he said. "Although we are all unique in our own ways, together we rise."

Several awards were issued to deserving students. Awards included the President's Educational Excellence and Achievement awards, Academic Excellence, Outstanding Citizenship, New York State Triple "C" Awards, the New York State Comptroller's Achievement Award, Scholar Athlete Awards, the Levittown Kiwanis' Patricia M. Kelly and Lester I. Smith awards, and the RISE Character Awareness Award.

Each Salk graduate shook hands with trustees and administrators as they received their diplomas. The ceremony was closed out with a performance of "Rise Up" by Andra Day from the eighth grade chorus.

The Salk Seahawk mascot led the procession onto the MacArthur field. Robert Ruocchio and Lyla Curtin were honored with awards from the Levittown Kiwanis. Before the ceremony, eighth graders gathered in anticipation. Members of the eighth grade chorus sang the national anthem.