WMS Class of 2025 Moves Up

The Westlake Middle School Class of 2025 gathered for their Moving Up Ceremony on a morning that would mark both an ending and a beginning. With slightly threatening skies overhead, the ceremony started promptly at 9:30 to ensure the weather wouldn’t interfere with this important milestone.

View all the photos from the Moving Up here.

The morning began with eighth-grader Julia Joseph leading the pledge of allegiance, followed by the Meistersingers’ stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Principal Anthony Mungioli welcomed the gathered crowd of families, staff, and community members, taking time to acknowledge the many hands that had shaped these students’ journey. He extended heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff, the PTA, and Education Foundation. In a particularly proud moment, Mr. Mungioli shared that the Washington DC trip tour company had told them that Westlake was the best school group they had ever worked with. “The parents of this grade are remarkable, and these students are a testament to that,” he noted.

The ceremony paused to honor three retiring staff members—Michele Caterino, Adam Yaeger, and Bill Keogh—whose dedication and service had touched countless lives over their careers.

The Westlake Winds brought energy to the morning with their spirited performance of a 60s rock mix, showcasing the musical talents that have flourished within the school.

Student speakers Jordana Gentile and Vincent Blizard then took the stage, each offering their classmates words of wisdom and reflection. Jordana drew inspiration from Helen Keller’s words: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.” She spoke about grace and determination, emphasizing that while obstacles are real, hope connects us all. Her message highlighted that kindness doesn’t require grand gestures, that resilience means getting back up after falling, and that being together is what truly matters. Looking toward the future with excitement, she expressed anticipation for all the memories yet to be made. Vincent brought humor and heart to his remarks, joking that he had just managed to open his locker the week before—a struggle that drew knowing laughter from his classmates. He reflected on overcoming challenges, especially the Regents exams, and celebrated the unforgettable memories they had created together. Quoting Winston Churchill—“Success is not final, failure is not fatal”—he delivered the day’s most memorable line: “The hassle was worth the tassel!”

The Meistersingers returned to perform “Big Yellow Taxi,” featuring beautiful solos by Ella Bram and Mia Palumbo.

Dr. G then addressed the graduates with words that resonated deeply with the audience. He praised the teachers and support staff before turning to the eighth graders with a message about standing on the edge of something new, filled with possibility. His speech emphasized that kindness is a superpower—not about being perfect, but about choosing compassion, reaching out to those who need a friend, and lifting others up even when no one else sees it.

Drawing from Ted Lasso’s belief in hope, he encouraged students to believe in their dreams, in each other, and in the importance of how they treat people alongside what they achieve. He told the students they are both stars—capable of lighting the way for others—and the sun—strong enough to rise each day and bring warmth to whatever space they enter, while remembering to stay grounded. Her closing message, inspired by Zendaya, encouraged authenticity: “Don’t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different. Just try hard to be you.” He added his own wisdom: “Let your you be kind, courageous, and generous of spirit.”

Principal Mungioli then delivered his farewell address to the students, expressing that three years simply wasn’t enough time with them. He noted how much they had changed, even if they couldn’t see it themselves. He revealed that each class develops its own theme, and for the Class of 2025, that theme had emerged as “Eyes on the Prize.” Drawing from Aesop’s fable, Mr. Mungioli compared his students to the tortoise in “The Tortoise and the Hare,” quickly clarifying with a laugh that he wasn’t calling them turtles. Rather, like the tortoise, they had kept getting stronger, smarter, and faster, becoming unstoppable in their steady persistence. “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in,” he told them, encouraging them to stay steady and ambitious as they keep their eyes on the prize.

The ceremony reached its culmination as Dr. G, Mr. Mungioli, and Assistant Principal Terri Outhouse presented diplomas to each graduate. In a symbolic passing of the torch, Dan Brady, their new principal for high school, presented the Class of 2025 to the crowd, officially welcoming them to the next chapter of their educational journey.

The Westlake Middle School Class of 2025 had officially become the Westlake High School Class of 2029, carrying with them the lessons of kindness, persistence, and hope that would guide them forward.