WMS hosts 2025 Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony

It was a bright, sunny day as friends, family and faculty gathered to celebrate the Washingtonville Middle School Class of 2025 at this year’s Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony. 

The event opened with a warm welcome from Principal Teresa Thompson and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Giordana Purisic, President of the National Junior Honor Society. Members of the Eighth Grade Select Chorus followed with a lively rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, setting the tone for a day filled with pride and celebration.

Ms. Thompson addressed the graduating class with heartfelt words of encouragement.

“Think back to when you first walked through the doors of the middle school – perhaps feeling a bit unsure, but full of curiosity and potential,” she said. “Now look at you: confident, accomplished young adults ready to embark on an exciting new chapter in your lives.”

She commended the students for their academic growth and resilience while reminding them to carry the lessons and friendships they’ve built at WMS into high school. Ms. Thompson concluded by encouraging the students to remain kind, curious and courageous in the face of future challenges:

“Continue to learn, continue to grow and continue to make a positive impact on the world around you. The future is truly yours.”

Following the address, students were presented with their recognition certificates and individual awards by various members of the WMS faculty. 

Below is a list of all students who received academic awards, and a photo gallery from the event can be viewed here!

George Rhodes Award
Eleanor Broge, Amelia Broge, Jaydalyn Colon, Sofia Dominguez Rodriguez

Comptroller Award
Aditya Banavara

Triple C Award
Gia Rodriguez

Aspire – Best Effort in Social Studies
Joseph Santana

English 8
Excellence: Mya Maldonado, Alexander Amante, Katherine Gillman, Haylee Zummo
Best Effort: Kassie Correa, Nakheem Holmes, Grace Milteer, Samantha Amodeo

Social Studies 8
Excellence: Jeremiah Webb, David Jean-Baptiste, Jacob Simonian, Sophia Viernes
Best Effort: Matthew Mammoliti, Alexander Peralta, Nathen Flores, Nadia Salim

Math 8
Excellence: Rudy Varela, Kathryn McKinney, Brooke Polman, Madison Mitzner
Best Effort: Madison Kantor, Ernst Volcy, Savanah Shaw, Tshumbe Wood

Algebra
Excellence: Ameer Mabinuori, Alexander Quezada
Best Effort: Cassidy Mullan, Khalid Al-awdi

Science 8
Excellence: Aaron Espinosa, Kelsey Pilat, Rebecca Gelardi, Ava Sinacori
Best Effort: Ethan Alana-Munoz, Joseph Zaro, Nia Taylor, Treasure Lee

Living Environment
Excellence: Rubby Paling, Taylor Sanchez
Best Effort: Emma Nieman, Madison Edwards

World Languages
Spanish 1
Excellence: Noah Javier V, Jeffrey Zepeda Hernandez, Abigail Jaycox
Best Effort: Bella Vives, Emilia Duda, Jayleen Alkan
French 1
Excellence: Kai Chang
Best Effort: Joseph Matovic

Art
Samantha McEvoy, Khalayla Ocasio, Jack Wheeler, Sonja Gonzalez

Family & Consumer Science
Kaitlyn Kick, Stamatina Balampani, Morgan Shaw, Audriana Mann

Technology
Jack Heins, Evangeline Vasquez, Elizaveta Nakopia, Ivan Cruz

Music
Outstanding Instrumentalist: Jamia Taylor
Most Improved Instrumentalist: Julian Flores
Outstanding Effort, Instrumental Music: Juliana Cosentino
Outstanding Vocalist: Isabel Burgos
Most Improved Vocalist: Grace Fersch
Outstanding Effort, Vocal Music: Elliott Borrebach

Physical Education
Excellence: Ayden Nesmith
Sportsmanship: Lily Mazza, Michael Connolly 
Mike Purcell Sportsmanship Award: Madelyn Krogslund
John Bogle Excellence Award: Bryce Tesseyman
Deb Sewell Leadership Award: Penelope Zupancic

Heart of Gold Award
Elliott Borrebach, Alan Brienza, Elizaveta Nakopia, Nadia Salim, Joseph Santana, Angel Burgos, Jamia Taylor, Kaitlyn Kick, Madison Bodden, Sonja Gonzalez, Kyra Moore, Analeah De Los Santos, Niara Cane, Stamatina Balampani, Bryce Tesseyman, Kyle Moodie, Jada Rivera, Samuel Thompson III, Jaiden Santiago, Jeremiah Webb, Penelope Zupancic, Habiba Ibriham, Ty Cottrell

Humanitarian Award in Honor of Don Dame
Kaylee Webb