WMS Class of 2026 Says Farewell Middle School

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Westlake Middle School’s eighth graders said goodbye to the hallways they’ve called home and hello to high school on a stunning June morning, celebrating the milestone in a Moving Up Ceremony filled with music, reflection, and plenty of well-earned pride.

Students processed in to “Crown Imperial March” by William Walton, performed by ESU Events. Gia Bianchine led the Pledge of Allegiance, and The Meistersingers, conducted and accompanied by Mr. Benjamin Appel, performed the National Anthem. Principal Anthony Mungioli welcomed the crowd and opened the ceremony with gratitude, thanking faculty, staff, the office team, custodians, and partner organizations for their commitment to the Class of 2026. He recognized Assistant Principal Terri Outhouse, who has been with these students since kindergarten, and acknowledged the Board of Education for its leadership and support. He asked students to pause and remember everything their families have done to get them to this moment.

Dr. Peter Giarrizzo brought his opening remarks and a message about wonder. He told students they are standing at an ending and a beginning, a place filled with possibility. He reminded them not to let wonder slip away and offered a metaphor for the road ahead: the next four years are a lot like flying a kite. WMS gave them the frame and structure. Their families gave them the string. But kites belong in the air. He told them to run against the wind, to let themselves take flight, and not to be discouraged when the string gets tangled or the kite crashes. That, he said, is all part of learning to fly. “Dream big and fly high, Class of 2026 and WHS Class of 2030.”

The Westlake Winds performed “Best of the Beatles,” arranged by Jon Ross and conducted by Ms. Erin Sica, followed by student speakers Kieran Fitzpatrick and Crystal Zhang.

Kieran opened with a nod to Charlie Brown, reflecting on the questions that hang over every new chapter: What challenges will we face? Who will our friends be? He spoke honestly about how hard it is to imagine something being over, and about what WMS taught him: that success comes from trying hard, taking risks, and getting involved. He recalled standout memories, including Mr. Mungioli getting slimed, the trip to Washington D.C., and performances of “The Outsiders.” He closed with an invitation: let’s step into the next chapter together. “If we take risks and stay involved, we will not be disappointed.”

Crystal reflected on walking into WMS three years ago with backpacks twice their size, trying to avoid the big, scary eighth graders. She talked about what those three years gave them: time management, balance, social skills, and a growing sense of who they are. She credited teachers and families for pushing them to be their best and reminded her classmates that the voyage ahead is not linear. “Realign your focus to achieve the future you desire.”

The Meistersingers returned for a vocal interlude, performing “Let the River Run” by Carly Simon, arranged by Mac Huff and conducted by Mr. Appel.

Principal Mungioli closed with a direct and heartfelt address. He told the graduates that energy was their class theme, and it showed from day one. That energy evolved into something real: critical thinking in the classroom, leadership on athletic fields and in hallways, and genuine empathy for the people around them. He pushed back on excuses: “Excuses don’t build futures. Hard work does.” When things got tough, he told them, they tried harder. He asked them to take that energy with them to high school. Dr. Giarrizzo and Principal Mungioli, joined by Ms. Outhouse, awarded certificates to the graduates, and Mr. Mungioli officially presented the Class of 2026 to WHS Principal Daniel Brady.

Students walked out to “Beach Boys on Stage,” arranged by J. Moss, officially closing the book on their middle school years.

Congratulations, WMS Class of 2026, and welcome to Westlake High School!