Twenty-three Salt Point Center (SPC) eighth graders are now ready for high school following the annual Moving-Up Day Ceremony & Celebration on June 11 where their achievements at the school were recognized.
Family members, classmates and staff cheered for the students, dressed in decorated banners and blue caps and gowns, as they proudly entered the gym and when each went up to accept their certificates. The ceremony was enhanced with poetry readings, musical numbers and a video montage of events throughout the 2025-2026 school year. One of the ceremony’s most heartfelt traditions included students handing out flowers to adults that helped them through their journey.
“None of us reaches milestones like this alone,” SPC Principal Melissa Murphy said. “Families, teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, clinicians, nurses and support staff have all played an important role in helping you succeed.”
Murphy is proud of the departing eighth graders who all grew in their own unique ways, while learning new skills, building relationships, overcoming challenges and achieving goals that were thought to be out of reach. She added that the lessons they learned and experiences they had at SPC will serve them well wherever they go. “Remember to be kind, work hard and believe in yourself; continue to learn, continue to grow and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it,” Murphy said.
“At Salt Point Center, we know that success looks different for every student and every accomplishment deserves to be celebrated.”
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Denise Dzikowski noted that students worked hard to grow and develop resiliency to make it to the ceremony. She predicts they are ready for any challenge high school presents and said they should be proud of their achievements, but not in a boastful way. “I’m talking about the quiet, deep satisfaction that you get inside, knowing that you’ve done something that was hard for you and you were able to do it,” Dzikowski said of having pride. “Just because you don’t get it right the first time doesn’t mean you’re a failure, it means we’re going to try again, and I’ve seen each of you do that.”
After the certificates were rewarded, SPC & Resilience Academy TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) Coach Maria Sita awarded the Dutchess BOCES Faculty Award Association for Citizenship to Rama Haridevara as he met the award’s criteria of demonstrating perseverance, respect, positive participation and meaningful growth in the school community.
Tessa Ryan, who sang the song “My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective for the audience, is excited to be moving on, but nervous for high school. “I’m happy, but I’m going to miss my teacher, though,” said Ryan, whose teacher was Kourtney Fitzmaurice.
Ethan Horton will most miss how all of his SPC classes were on one floor, but shared that he is most excited for one class in high school. “I’m looking forward to taking baking classes,” Horton said. “I feel 100% happy.”
