By Amanda Moses
On June 20th, Gateway Intermediate School (I.S.) 364’s eighth graders prepared to leave middle school behind and voyage onto the next step in their education: high school.
Blue, white, and gold balloons, along with an assortment of graduation decorations adorned IS 364’s playground on Freeport Loop where hundreds of lawn chairs and a small stage were erected for their final ceremony for the school year.
Parents, family, friends, and school staff applauded when they heard the Pomp and Circumstance march begin to play, some with tears streaming down their faces as they watched on with pride. For some the journey was not easy, but these middle schoolers did their best to make it across the finish line.
Principal Nicole Edmund Fraser climbed onto the impromptu stage and looked out into the sea of blue graduation caps and gowns with admiration—her falcons were ready to soar onto greater things.
Ushering in the class of 2023 were salutatorian duo Thierno Barry and Dominick Bonserio along with valedictorian Vianney Valdes. The three top students, along with others, received accolades for academic excellence, educational achievements, leadership and more.
Two memorial awards were also distributed in memory of Malcolm J. Williams, a former student who passed away from sarcoma cancer many years ago, and a sports award in honor of Tyrick Smith -Carter.
The afternoon culminated with the traditional moving of the tassel from left to right, symbolizing their success and crossing from middle school to high school
Photos by Amanda Moses
