Eighth grade students from Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue Middle Schools participated in staggered drives through Moving Up celebrations on June 12.

School administrators, staff and teachers donning school colors lined the decorated parking lot as carloads of families made their way around the grounds.

At Grand Avenue, Principal Carlo Conte and Assistant Principal Christopher Riccardi handed out diplomas and other awards.

“Although the typical ceremony could not take place, we were committed to creating a drive-through experience that was filled with the Grand CARES spirit and serves as a celebration of our students’ time at Grand Avenue,” said Conte.

At Merrick Avenue, Principal Katelyn Dunn was joined by Assistant Principals Rich Aceste and Kate Caporusso to distribute diplomas and certificates.

“Our Merrick Avenue family was dotted along the route to cheer and support students,” added Dunn. “We wanted to convey the spirit of black and gold as our eighth graders came through.”

DJ’s pumped up the crowds and backdrops with school logos were also provided for solo student portraits.

The drive throughs were recorded and edited together. To view the MAMS video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FSvZ2szmXk&feature=youtu.be.

To view the GAMS video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWBueZxQgnDGS8CxJIF4yzw.