Fifth-grade students throughout the Lynbrook Public Schools’ closed the book on their elementary school careers as they celebrated moving up to middle school on June 21. Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End graduates held their respective moving up ceremonies surrounded by proud central administrators, board of education members, faculty, family and friends.
The clouds scattered and the sun appeared just in time for Marion Street School’s ceremony where the entire school gathered on the field to bid a fond farewell to the fifth-graders. Fifth-grade student council president AJ Berkowitz spoke about the future of the graduates while vice president Genevieve Dellacona reflected on each grade level and the experiences shared. One by one, the graduates received their certificates of completion from Principal Theresa Macchia in front of proud loved ones. In true Marion Street tradition, the fifth-graders filed out of their seats as the underclassmen moved up to symbolize their passage to the next grade.
During Waverly Park School’s ceremony at Lynbrook High School, fifth-graders recited an original creative poem, sang “Home” and read their “Last Will and Testament,” each sharing the special mark that they will leave on their school. Guest speaker Dr. Gerard Beleckas, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, congratulated the graduates and recognized beloved Principal Lucille McAssey who will be retiring at the end of the month, for her service to the district. After receiving their certificates, the students reflected on their time at Waverly with a slideshow of photographs as they sang “Forever Young.”
West End fifth-graders also reflected on their time in elementary school during their ceremony with a slideshow presentation in the Lynbrook High School gymnasium. Following the montage, students proudly received their diplomas from Principal Dr. Cindy Lee as loved ones cheered. Special academic awards were also presented to deserving students. With the guidance of music teacher Maria Stella Kruh, the graduates sang an original West End song titled “These Special Things” along with “Like an Eagle,” before proudly exiting the ceremony to “On Top of the World.”