“Today we celebrate you!”

Principal Lisa Hankinson welcomed her CVMS Class of 2026 and their families to the moving up ceremony Monday morning with her joyful proclamation.

“We are incredibly proud of all of the growth, accomplishments and perseverance we have seen in each of you,” she said. “It might feel like middle school flew by in the blink of an eye, but what an incredible journey it’s been.”

 

Ms. Hankinson looked back with fondness and forward with encouragement.

“These past three years have been filled with energy, discovery, laughter, friendship and lessons that will stay with you long after you leave these halls. There have been exciting highs, memorable victories and moments that made you proud,” she said. “There have also been challenges, disappointments and obstacles that tested you along the way. Yet through it all, you showed up, kept learning, kept growing and kept moving forward!”

 

 

With all of that, now they are looking forward to high school.

“You are capable of facing life’s challenges with courage and confidence,” she added. “We’ve watched you grow, not only in what you know, but in who you have become. As you prepare for the next chapter of your journey, remember the words of New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson. ‘Just keep working. Everything else will take care of itself’.”

 

Ms. Hankinson encouraged her eighth-graders to show up, give their best effort and keep moving, even when the path is difficult.

“Be true to yourself because who you are right now is someone extraordinary,” she said. “The best is yet to come.”

 

Superintendent Joe Lenz congratulated the students and their families for reaching this milestone.

 

“Today is a reflection of your hard work and everything you’ve achieved thus far,” he said. You have navigated challenges, rolled with the changes, built lasting friendships, found new passions and picked up strategies that will serve you for the rest of your lives.”

 

He also addressed the big step to high school in September.

“If you’re feeling a mix of eagerness and butterflies right now, that is completely normal,” said Mr. Lenz. “True growth happens right outside of our comfort zones. The secret is to meet these new adventures with confidence, keep an open mind and never think you’re too cool to ask for help when things get tough.”

Mr. Lenz gave five guiding principles for the road ahead:

• Lead with kindness and respect for everyone you meet.
• Push your limits to see just how far you can go.
• Stay hungry for knowledge and never stop asking questions.
• Dive in and get involved in your new school community.
• Trust the process and believe in the person you are growing into.

 

There were many honors bestowed on the graduates.

The valedictorian is Ava Cruz. Salutatorian is Christy Lin.

The Triple C Award, recognizing the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students, was presented to Gabriella Brown and Devin Hernandez..

 

The New York State Comptroller’s Award is given to students who have shown academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improve their school and community. The CVMS eighth-graders who received it are Giovanni Alvino and Ava Cruz

The Civic Ambassador Award went to Vaughn Kaiser Drake Bautista.

Mrs. Hankinson also presented her Principal’s Award to Janiya Thomas and Aiden Wilson.

Congratulations to all our CVMS eighth-grade students who head to Pine Bush High School in the fall! Your future is so bright!!

Watch the CVMS Moving-Up Ceremony here.