More than 200 fifth graders from throughout the district marked the end of their elementary school careers with their respective moving up ceremonies on June 25. Family, faculty, building and central administrators, along with the district’s board of education, were present to celebrate the graduates from Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End schools as they prepared to enter middle school next year.
Marion Street held their ceremony indoors due to the weather but that did not put a damper on the day. Principal Theresa Macchia hosted the event and introduced fifth graders Kaden Rogers and Alexa Rutigliano who spoke about looking ahead and looking back on the memories that the Class of 2019 shared at Marion Street. Before presenting the fifth grade certificates, Mrs. Macchia spoke about it being a significant year as the school marked its 90th Anniversary. She congratulated the graduates and offered them words of advice, relating back to the book “Only One You” by Linda Kranz that the students read this year.
“As you venture out to new adventures, remember there is only one you and you can make the world a better place,” she said.
Loved ones packed the Lynbrook High School auditorium for Waverly Park’s ceremony. Fifth grade graduates performed several songs with the help of music teacher Madeline Jabin, recited a creative gradewide poem and their “Last Will and Testament” of what they will leave Waverly Park with. In addition, guest speaker Dr. Gerard Beleckas, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, PTA members and Principal Allison Banhazl praised the fifth graders.
“You worked hard and we’re proud of you,” said Ms. Banhazl. “Not only as a class but as an inspiring group of individuals. It has been an honor and a privilege to be your principal this year; my first graduating class.”
During West End’s ceremony in Lynbrook High School’s gymnasium, several fifth grade graduates were recognized with awards including the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, Presidential Award for Educational Achievement and Lynbrook Teachers Association Award. Directed by music teacher Maria Stella Kruh, the students performed songs and proudly received their certificates from Principal Dr. Cindy Lee who left the students with encouragement for the future.
She reminded the graduates to “always do what people think you can’t do,” that you “only fail when you stop trying,” that “the only person you should try and be better than is the person you were yesterday,” and that “the start of something new brings the hope of something great.”
Congratulations to all the graduates!