Under a canopy of black and gold balloons on the Brookside stage, Birch School graduated its sixth grade Class of 2022 on June 22.
Student Council Co-Presidents Jacob Ben-Dayan and Ryan Wexler greeted guests and recalled some special moments from their time at Birch.
“Spirit Days were some of the most special and memorable days at Birch,” began Ben-Dayan. “We learned to make many friends and form relationships that we will never forget.”
“These small, but meaningful memories are just a glimpse into the amazing years we enjoyed here,” added Wexler. “Birch School has taught us to work together and put our greatest effort into everything and to never give up.”
Merrick School Board trustee Nicole Venditti said celebrating students’ educational achievements is her favorite part of being on the board of education.
“Never before had students had to learn through so many precautions, quarantines and uncertainty and still you succeeded and achieved your goals,” she added.
Principal Kerri Galante mentioned the 2022 yearbook and its theme, “Leaving Our Mark.”
“The mark our graduates have left on us will be tremendous,” she said. “Our goal at Birch School is to always have the same impact on you.”
PTA co-president Lauren Siegel offered well wishes to the graduates.
“Through seven years of hard work, perseverance, and hopefully amazing memories here at Birch, we wish for you a feeling of home and a true sense of pride and accomplishment when you think of your elementary school days.”
Kelley Merkle, the Merrick Faculty Association’s building representative for Birch, said they donated to Warrior’s Odyssey on behalf of the graduating class. Warrior’s Odyssey provides resources and social-emotional support for families affected by pediatric cancer.
“It was a pleasure watching all of you become the learners you are today,” she noted. “You are motivated, curious and dedicated and have learned all of the things needed to be successful in middle school.”
Date Added: 6/22/2022