Fifth graders in the Lynbrook School District celebrated the culmination of their elementary school journeys as they moved up to middle school on June 25.

At Marion Street Elementary School, fifth graders were joined by their peers on the field to celebrate the occasion. Student Council Vice President Rosina Arcella and President Mia Wong reflected on their class’s memories and the bonds shared as a school community. Fifth graders gave a performance of “Try Everything” conducted by music teacher Anna Upston.

“Just as a lighthouse helps sailors navigate unfamiliar waters, the values you learned here will guide you through new experiences, opportunities and challenges,” Principal Theresa Macchia said.

At Waverly Park Elementary School, parents cheered as students processed toward the stage. Student Council President Colton Callahan commended his peers’ perseverance before the class sang “I Lived” conducted by music teacher Lauren Behan and the fifth grade orchestra played “Million Dreams.” Each graduate stood to add to a class-wide creative poem and a last will and testament.

“Be kind – the world needs kindness more than ever,” Principal Allison Campbell said. “Choose empathy over judgement, inclusion over exclusion and encouragement over criticism.”

At West End Elementary School’s ceremony hosted at Lynbrook High School, a commemorative video recapped the many successes enjoyed over the year. Students sang “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” and “Beautiful Things” conducted by music teacher Jodi Abrams before Student Council President Owen Mattera congratulated his peers.

“There were times when learning felt hard, friendships were tested and obstacles seemed bigger than they really were,” Principal Leah Murray said, “but every single time you kept going.”

Several awards were given out at each ceremony, and graduates stepped up to receive their diploma from their teachers and principals in a prideful moment. Upon the conclusion of each ceremony, Lynbrook’s oldest elementary schoolers officially became its newest middle schoolers.

 

Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools