NS High School 2026 Moving Up Ceremony

A North Shore Tradition Since 1941

On June 5, 2026, Principal Eric Contreras led the annual Moving Up Day Ceremony at North Shore High School, a North Shore tradition since 1941. Principal Contreras happily welcomed proud parents, students, teachers, administrators, and staff to the historic event held at North Shore High School in the gymnasium. Students from each grade were present and participated in this annual ceremony. In addition, Mr. Contreras recognized the parents who were alumni in the audience!

To a loud round of applause, Principal Contreras congratulated the school Valedictorian, Kaiden Smith, and Salutatorian Sareena Modi! To the students’ delight, each class video was shown! Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of the Class of 2026 yearbook, student and teacher awards, and the raising of the Class of 2026 banner!

During the ceremony, the traditional Weaving Ceremony followed as seniors made their way to the front of the gymnasium (dressed in all white) while the juniors (in yellow), sophomores (in blue), and the freshman (in green) “weaved their way up through the rows.” Then the teachers performed a music tribute, followed by the juniors’ music tribute and the senior response. To conclude, the seniors formed the line for the gauntlet for the annual Tapping Ceremony where Joseph Antoci was selected!

During the Moving Up Ceremony, awards and recognitions were given to the following students and faculty:

- North Shore High School Officers: Finn Gallagher, Kaiden Smith, Matt Marinello, Ava Varasano

- Community Service Impact Awards: Charlotte Healy, Jayden Reo, Kate Spieler, Alexa Scaffa

- PTO Teacher of the Year: Lauren DeLuca & Brandon Bromsey

- SGO President’s Award: Jack Begley

- Yearbook Editors: Isa Guerrero, Chloe Connolly, Vanessa Huang, Jiaxi Sun, Polina Semenko, Lila Frame & Chone Iannelli

- Faculty Honor “Tapping” Award: Joseph Antoci

Congratulations to all the students and the graduating Class of 2026! Many thanks to all of those who participated, including students and teachers in Grades 9-12 and the North Shore musicians under the direction of Mr. Jason Doming and the Concert Chorale under

the Direction of Mr. David Catalano. After the ceremony, the students gathered in the courtyard to take photos with friends and families and sign yearbooks.

Thank you to the HS PTO, Principal Contreras, Assistant Principals Dr. Kurrus and Ms. Jennifer Imperiale, secretaries, faculty, and staff, and all of the parents who worked so hard to make this day so memorable. Best of luck to all the HS students! Go Vikings Go!

Article and photos by Shelly Newman