LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — It was a celebration, a momentous occasion, a rite of passage for the eighth-graders at Sullivan West Middle School.

They walked across the stage to receive the certificates that marked their graduation on the eve of entering high school as the Class of 2028.

Middle/high school principal Scott Haberli, who will retire after more than 30 years in education, welcomed the friends and family who had assembled in the auditorium. He read the introductory remarks written by the superintendent of schools, Dr. Kathleen Bressler: “You are amazing athletes, musicians, actors and actresses, and intellectuals,” she wrote. “As you reflect on your time in these two brief grades, I hope you can see how far you’ve come because we do, and you should be proud.”

She wrote: “You have worked hard, made it through, and have a strong foundation under you, and I know that you are ready for high school life. Everyone here is proud of you. We are all excited for what you’ve done and all that you will keep doing.

“I want you tonight to make sure you pause, to make sure that you know this is a really great accomplishment... We know it will be the first of your many Sullivan West school careers. Congratulations. You deserve it.”

Kevin Carbone, assistant high school principal, read aloud the names of each graduate. They ascended to the stage one by one, in row after row, to receive their hard-won certificates from Haberli and middle school counselor Amanda Mall.

After the ceremony, the students, parents and grandparents gathered in the hallway to enjoy refreshments and perhaps share memories of middle school years gone by.

“It means a lot,” Haberli told the River Reporter after the ceremony. “It was one of many celebrations over the last few weeks.”

He said the district is stand-out. “This is just a special place in so many ways—a tight-knit community,” he said.

After three decades serving Sullivan West Central School District, plus a six-year stint at Roscoe Central School, Haberli is retiring to spend time “mowing lawns, fishing and canoeing” and helping family members work on their property.

As he wrapped up the ceremony, he told the assembly that he was headed to his riverside campground along the Upper Delaware River to cool off with a swim.