Anticipation ran high as West End fifth-graders prepared to take the first steps on their journey to middle school.

The festivities began with words of encouragement from Principal Cindy Lee, who reminded them to never stop believing in their incredible power to make the world a better place. A slideshow of special memories was followed by the presentation of achievement awards. After the final diploma was presented, students turned to face the audience to sing a song they had written, titled “These Special Things.” Then dancing with joy, the proud graduates left their elementary years behind as they filed out to face the bright future that awaits them in middle school.