The Liberty Middle School Eighth Grade Moving Up ceremony on Tuesday, June 25, was a time of reflection, celebration, acknowledgement and looking toward the future.

The event featured songs, speeches and several recognitions.

The following department awards were presented:

• Art: Stephanie Amaya Bonilla, Karla Aucaquizhpi Perez, Samuel Blandon Cardona, Gabriel Bossert, Olivia Bruce, Beverly Caal Chub, Solanlly Cruz Guevara, Yarel Diaz Lopez, Ezra Dilworth, Sophia Duarte, McKayla Figueroa, Brooke Golzak, Leah Herbek, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Belle Gandulla, Tyler Juron, Anai Perez Sanchez, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Gimena Quiroz Ramirez, Melanie Rodriguez, Anthony Salazar Gomez, William Vargas Martin, Cody Winters, Jade Guaillazaca Lopez, Jayla Ramon and Kourtney Perry.
• Music: Tyler Juron  for Band, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen for Chorus and Belle Gandulla for Orchestra.
• Physical Education: Adriana Ponce, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Starriah Harris, Bailegh Steinberg, Tyler Juron, Jared Briggs, Colton Allen and Mason Williams.
• ELL Department: Brandon Amador, Angeliz Arruaga Munoz, Karla Aucaquizhpi Perez, Justin Hernandez Gomez, Gimena Quiroz Ramirez and Antonio Salazar Gomez

There were also two awards for those who go above and beyond for the student community.

• The Fogelski “Lend a Helping Hand” Awards: Cody Winters and Gabriela Aquino Garzon.
• Mrs. Weiner’s Helping Hands Award: Sherlyn Rodriguez Flores and Alyssia Boyles

Numerous memorial awards were also handed out as follows:

• The Lorraine Carrington Perseverance Award: Sophia Duarte
• The Lori Bauman Most Improved Awards: Sophia Travis and Mia Molina
• The Sydney Benton Award for High Academic Achievement and Community Activity: Shea-Leigh Kristiansen
• The Barbara Sims Citizenship Award: Mason Williams
• The Glenna Stieglitz American Ambassador Award: Beverly Caal Chub
• The Herb Conrad “Prepared and Responsible” Award: Nysaiah Davis
• The Joan Greck Strong Character Award: Starriah Harris
• The Barbara Sochinski “Helpful to Students & Staff Award” Award: Gimena Quiroz-Ramirez
• The Renee Friedman “Kind Heart” Award: Leah Herbek

Four students also received awards from state officials.

• Adriana Ponce Agredano and Colten Jay Allen earned the NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli Academic Achievement Award, which is presented each year to students who have excelled academically and have shown leadership potential by volunteering their time to serve the school or community.
• Tyler Juron and Belle Gandula were presented the NYS Attorney General Letitia James Triple “C” (Courage, Character, Commitment) Award. The Triple C Awards program acknowledges the commitment, character, and courage of New York’s “most exceptional young people. Whether succeeding in academic pursuits, participating in community service, displaying leadership skills, or overcoming personal obstacles; these students provide us with hope for a brighter future,” the award states.

Following the awards, all eligible eighth graders crossed the stage to receive the certificates of completion and officially become high schoolers in the Class of 2028.

A recording of the event can be found at https://events.locallive.tv/events/147991.

More photos can seen be on the LCSD Facebook and LCSD Instagram pages.