2021 Moving-Up Ceremony

Students file into the tent during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
Students file in to the tent during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A group of students is shown seated during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
The middle school band plays during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A group of students is shown seated during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
Dr. Cheryl Champ speaks during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
Assistant principal Sean Llewellyn leads the pledge of allegiance from the podium during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony
A student embraces Principal Lynn Sabia after receiving an award during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student is presented an award by a teacher during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student is greeted by Principal Lynn Sabia on the stage during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
The middle school band plays on Franklin Field during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony
Student Government President Kira Findikyan gives an address during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student bumps elbows with Counselor Scott Brown after receiving an award during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony
A student receives an award from a teacher during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
Principal Lynn Sabia delivers remarks during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student receives an award from a teacher during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student receives an award from a teacher during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
Two students receive awards during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student receives an award from Dr. Maria Thompson during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
Board of Education President Jessica DeDomenico shares remarks during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student recieves an award from Dr. Maria Thompson during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student receives an award from Counselor Scott Brown during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student receives an award from a teacher during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field
A student receives an award from Principal Lynn Sabia during the 8th grade moving-up ceremony on Franklin Field

Pelham Middle School’s 203 Eighth Graders officially became high schoolers at a Moving-Up ceremony held Thursday, June 24 on Franklin Field. The ceremony featured an address from Student Government President Kira Findikyan as well as remarks from Principal Lynn M. Sabia, Dr. Cheryl Champ, Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education President Jessica DeDomenico. The Eighth Grade Band, Directed by Andrew Van Bochove played “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons and a number of prestigious awards were given to students. The list of awards is as follows:

Joe Dwyer Award

This award is in memory of Joe Dwyer, an English teacher at Pelham Middle School from 2008-2011, Learn and Serve Club advisor, coach, Newsweek editor, and longtime resident of Pelham.  The Joseph Dwyer English Scholar Award is the highest English award presented annually to two students in the Eighth grade. The recipients of this high honor exemplify passion for English and literature, demonstrate exceptional writing skills, and have achieved at the highest level in the subject of English.   This year the Joseph Dwyer Award is given to Sade Jacobs and Alessandra Oteri-DeGloria.

Detective George Caccavale Award

The first annual Detective George Caccavale Award is given in honor of Pelham resident and NYPD Detective George Caccavale, who made the ultimate sacrifice 45 years ago this week.  This award is bestowed upon a student who demonstrates leadership, courage and determination. The recipient exhibits exemplary teamwork and leads by example with an emphasis on kindness, inclusivity and hard work.  The Detectives Endowment Association is pleased to provide one award annually in the amount of $500 to a graduating student at Pelham Middle School.  This year the Detective George Caccavale Award is given to Georgianna Jean Reynolds.

The Laura Arm Community Service Award

This award is in honor of Laura Arm, a science teacher at Pelham Middle School/PMHS from 1967-2015, tireless organizer of extracurricular activities, longtime Animal Welfare Club advisor, seventh grade team leader, and a resident of Pelham. The Laura Arm Community Service Award is given each year to two eighth grade students who exemplify serving one’s community.  These students have gone above and beyond to serve the Pelham Schools and the community at large through their volunteerism.  This year the Laura Arm Community Service Award is given to Andrew Woodward and Venice Mancuso.

The DAR Award

Founded in 1890, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization of female descendants of American Revolution patriots whose volunteers dedicate themselves to “historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavor.”  Each year, the Anne Hutchinson Chapter of the DAR recognizes two Pelham Middle School eighth graders that demonstrate outstanding work in the study of American history, including writing, research, critical thinking, and enthusiasm. The recognition also includes a monetary scholarship. This year the DAR Award is given to Christopher O’Meara and Kira Findikyan.  

The John Von Bargen PTA Award 

This award is in memory of “Big” John Von Bargen, a beloved safety monitor at the secondary campus of the Pelham Schools from 2000-2019, superintendent of the Town of Pelham Recreation Department for over thirty years, Westchester County athletic official, and All-American athlete.   The John Von Bargen PTA Award recognizes two eighth grade students that demonstrate outstanding athleticism, sportsmanship, and character. It is accompanied by a monetary scholarship generously donated by the Pelham Middle School Parent-Teacher Association. This year the John Von Bargen PTA Award is given to Reid Finster and Taylor Green. 

The Bridges of Pelham Award

Bridges of Pelham is a community group for Black and BIPOC families in the Town of Pelham.  Bridges’ namesake is Ruby Bridges, an American civil rights activist who was the first African-American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana on November 14th, 1960. To support inclusiveness, equality, community, and anti-racism in the school environment, Bridges of Pelham is pleased to provide one award annually in the amount of $500 to a graduating student at Pelham Middle School.  This year the Bridges of Pelham Award goes to Anderson Brady.  

The Tom Roksvold Award

Tom Roksvold was an entertaining teacher that infused his love of science with humor.  Known to all as “Roks”, he was a lifelong resident of Pelham and a PMHS graduate.  He not only taught science at Pelham Middle School for over twenty years, he also coached multiple sports, and was deeply involved in many other aspects of the community. This award is presented to two students who exemplify Mr. Roksvold’s dedication to school and to all things Pelham, and who spreads their positive attitude and good humor while doing it.  This year the Thomas Roksvold Award is given to Grace Kiamie and Khaled Albahar.

The Tom Tobin Award 

This award is in honor of Thomas Tobin, a social studies teacher at Pelham Middle School from 1974-2007, student government advisor for over thirty years, longtime coach, and eighth grade team leader. The Tom Tobin General Organization Award is the highest award at Pelham Middle School. It is presented annually to two eighth graders that demonstrate exemplary leadership, academic performance, and demonstration of Pelham PRIDE.  This year the Tom Tobin G.O. Award is given to Sonia Brown and Cameron Wanuga.