Photo courtesy of the Bronxville Union Free School District

By Blaine Malefatto, Syntax

By Blaine Malefatto, Syntax

June 30, 2026: Surrounded by family, friends and faculty, Bronxville Middle School’s Class of 2030 celebrated its transition to high school during a moving-up ceremony on June 17 that highlighted achievement, growth and community.

The celebration featured reflections from Principal Joe Mercora and student speakers Charles Allen, Eva Hernas, Caitlin Holbert, Reagan Kenny, Diana Sullivan, Luke Yeon and Cordelia Zdyb. They shared personal experiences and highlights from their middle school years, as well as messages of hope for the future.

Sullivan described her classmates as some of the most intelligent, kind and hardworking people she has ever met. She also discussed what makes the Bronxville School unique – focusing on academics and the lifelong skills students need to succeed in life beyond school.

“We have learned to form more meaningful relationships, we have learned to handle larger workloads, we have learned to be kind and fair people, even on hard days,” Sullivan said.

In his address, Yeon compared middle school to a bridge – an analogy that stayed with him since Principal Mercora first shared it. 

“Middle school is not just a bridge we cross, but a place where we can build bridges with one another – connections that can withstand challenges and change,” Yeon said. “As we stand here today, prepared to enter high school, we carry everything this bridge has given us: knowledge, resilience and, most importantly, the relationships we have built along the way.”

In her remarks, Kenny reflected on the experiences that have shaped the class and the lessons they learned along the way. She expressed how she and her classmates have demonstrated the Bronxville Promise qualities.

“We have shown leadership by supporting one another, stepping up when challenges arose, and encouraging each other to succeed,” Kenny said. “We have demonstrated innovation by embracing new ideas and challenges…Our engagement is seen on athletic fields, stages and throughout the community. We have built a true sense of belonging, creating friendships and connections. Most of all, we have learned to think critically…These qualities define our class and will continue to guide us in the future.”

Looking back on her middle school experience, Holbert noted she will fondly remember the conversations before class started, the laughter with friends, the Snowflake ball, the trips to Williamsburg and Washington, D.C., and the friendships that turned classmates into some of the most important people in her life. 

“As we leave middle school behind, we should take the lessons we’ve learned with us, the friendships we changed, and the confidence that comes from knowing we can handle more than we thought was possible,” Holbert said.

Principal Mercora addressed the students and their families with heartfelt words, reflecting on the students’ legacy of innovation and leadership. He noted that the middle school years have served as a powerful bridge to the opportunities ahead in high school.

“You are truly special, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as your principal,” Mercora told the graduates. “I want to thank you for your hard work and the memories we’ve shared – memories that are truly gifts. … You have grown into amazing people, and tonight we celebrate that growth. We look forward to all you will accomplish in high school; there truly is no limit to your potential.”

The ceremony concluded with students being called individually to accept their certificates, symbolizing the beginning of their next chapter as high school freshmen this fall.

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