Robert M. Finley Middle School's auditorium was packed to the upper balcony Wednesday evening as school officials, students, parents and teachers celebrated the roughly 100 students transitioning to the high school.
Student speaker Harrison Israel, son of principal Michael Israel, spoke about the requisites for success, which he said he had learned while at the middle school.
"Dr. Alston, Mr. Sirikas and many of my teachers helped motivate me to do my best and succeed in my classes," said Israel. "They believed in me and helped me to do the same, which I believe is the most important ingredient for success."
Superintendent Joseph Laria offered a blessing for the Glen Cove High School Class of 2016.
"May the world be your classroom, and it's history your teacher," he said. "It's future your inspiration, and its people the subject you know best."
