The Glen Rock Middle School 8th Grade Promotional Exercises were held on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the GRMS/HS Auditorium.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt welcome by Ms. Michelle Giurlando, MS/HS Principal, who noted that she started her journey as middle school principal alongside this class three short years ago.

“To the Class of 2030, my very first Glen Rock Middle School graduating class, may you carry the spark that shines so brightly in each one of you into your high school years and beyond,” she said. “Continue exploring your passions and striving to be the best versions of yourselves. You will likely feel nervous along the way, but remember the confidence and the resilience that you have found in yourselves over the past three years. Always remember to access that strength, and there is no limit as to what you can achieve.”

Student speaker Daivik Chhaya spoke next, reflecting on the idea that life is like a book, with each day representing a new page that cannot be revisited or predicted. He encouraged his classmates to embrace every moment, finding a balance between moving too quickly through life and dwelling too long on the past, while recognizing the value and purpose of every experience.

“This is life. You can never go back to change something, nor can you see the next day before it arrives,” Daivik said. “Rather, you should take in the time you are entrusted with, and you should embrace every moment.” He reminded his fellow graduates that every page contributes to their story, noting that while some moments are exciting and others are challenging, each one shapes the larger journey.

“Every page matters,” he said. “Every page is a new, important event. Every page contributes and alters the main plot. Some pages may want you to keep reading, because they are so full of moments you never want to forget. Some pages may want you to stop reading because they are slow and confusing. But regardless, you can’t skip the page. You have to read, understand, and move on to the next one.”

Attendees then heard from 2026 Bergen County Educator of the Year, Ms. Lisa Limongelli, GRMS English teacher. She stressed how these students succeeded in evolving their friendships, attaining personal goals, and developing their own creative pursuits–all because their own grit drove that success. “

“Hold onto your achievements: the ones you expected, and especially the ones which caught you by surprise,” Ms. Limongelli said. “Because today is not an ending. Today marks the beginning of many more remarkable accomplishments to come, accomplishments that are driven by your intrinsic motivation and work ethic which I know you will bring with you to each new endeavor.”

Second student speaker Zoe Mayer reflected on the many people who supported the middle schoolers throughout their journey, emphasizing the importance of friendship, mentorship, and family. She thanked those who encouraged students through challenges and celebrated their successes along the way.

“When we were doubting ourselves, our friends were always by our side, cheering us on,” she said. She also recognized the dedication of teachers who were “always there and willing to help” when students struggled, as well as family members who provided guidance and support at the end of each day.

Commander Robert Steinberg of the Thomas D. Egan Glen Rock Post #850 VFW then presented the Citizenship and Leadership Awards, courtesy of GRHS Class of 1983 Citizenship Award winner, Robert O’Shea; Class of 1984 graduate, Michele Bandazian O’Shea; and the O’Shea Family Foundation. These awards are meant to demonstrate admiration for and further inspire youth leadership and activism. Congratulations to Middle School Citizenship Award recipients, Alexander Flaum and Hanna Park, and Middle School Leadership Award recipients, Thomas Cuttita and Alice Tishco.

Third student speaker Penelope Passaglia encouraged her classmates to reflect on their growth during middle school and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. She noted that while high school marks the beginning of a new chapter, it is also a continuation of the lessons, experiences, and memories that have shaped them along the way.

“As we step into this next chapter of our lives, we have to remember how far we have already come,” she said. She reminded her fellow graduates that moving on to high school “doesn't just mean starting over again,” but rather carrying their “best memories and lessons into our future” while continuing to believe in themselves and strive to become the best versions of who they can be.

A new addition to this year’s ceremony was a student reflection on the Advisory Program, delivered by Charita Aiyer. In her remarks, Aiyer highlighted how the program transformed discussions about community challenges into meaningful action, teaching students that even small efforts can have a significant impact when people work together.

“As an eighth-grade class, we collected and donated 605 canned foods to the Social Services food pantry in Ridgewood,” she said. “It felt exhilarating to know that we could make a difference. From then on, Advisory became more than just an obligation, it became a mission to improve our community.”

Charita said her favorite aspect of the program was the sense of unity it fostered among her classmates. Although students met in different advisory groups, they came together through shared service projects and common goals. “One thing I have learned from my experience in Advisory is how even the smallest actions can make the biggest difference,” she said. Reflecting on the year's initiatives, she noted that the program “didn't just teach me about the impact we could make, but also how we could make them together.”

She concluded by celebrating the collective efforts of her fellow students and the opportunities they were given to create positive change. “It is truly extraordinary to think that a program like this could help each grade, each class, each student to change our community,” Aiyer said. “I stand here today to recognize the excellence in our abilities, motivations, and deep involvement in Advisory, but also the numerous opportunities we were given to make meaningful changes.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of promotional certificates by Ms. Giurlando; Ms. Michelle D’Alessio, GRMS English teacher; Mrs. Donna Maasarani, GRMS Social Studies teacher; and Mrs. Regina Scotti, GRMS English teacher.

Glen Rock Public Schools extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Glen Rock Middle School 8th grade students on this important milestone and wishes them continued success as they begin the next chapter of their educational journey as members of the Glen Rock High School Class of 2030.

Photos courtesy of Aahan Kapur ’28, Image Art Studio, and Tara Hopfenspirger.