Fifth graders at Lynbrook’s Marion Street, West End and Waverly Park elementary schools commemorated their years of hard work as they moved up to either Lynbrook North or South middle schools on June 24.

At all three schools, students marched onto the field to “Pomp and Circumstance” as their loved ones cheered on. At Marion Street, speakers from the student council included treasurer Quinn Nonalaya, secretary Alexa Sferrazza, vice president Emma Wagner and president Nicolette Raynor. The fifth grade chorus performed “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppets before Principal Theresa Macchia sung their praises.

“We welcome and applaud our fifth graders,” Macchia said. “This year’s graduating class has made it through a challenging, yet still rewarding school year. Our students have been resilient and ready to learn. We never would have made it this far without the support of our teachers and families.”

At West End, Student Council President Benjamin Dichter led the Pledge of Allegiance before he addressed his classmates. Next, Ms. Kordisch’s and Mrs. DiGuiseppe’s classes sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Other vocal performances included “These Special Things,” a song written by West End students and sung by the classes of Mrs. Winn/Ms. Vigada and Ms. Sieling, and “Like an Eagle,” performed by the classes of Ms. Terzi and Ms. Keon. Dr. Cindy Lee spoke of the special bond that has this year’s graduating class bonded with her forever.

“At graduation every year, I always talk about how much I love my champions and how dear they are to me, but I’m sure you already know that this graduating class stands head and shoulders above all others, because five years ago, we started our journey together as West End rookies, and here we are leaving our school together,” Dr. Lee said. “We have really taken the term ‘a package deal’ to a whole new level.”

At Waverly Park, students sang “Home” by Phillip Phillips and presented a special creative poem before Principal Allison Banhazl shared some words of wisdom.

“Over the past year, when there really was much darkness, with all of us kept apart, you built stronger connections with your families, your friends and your teachers,” Banhazl said. “Whether it was in our Waverly classrooms or from your local home, you adjusted to new ways of learning and socializing. It wasn’t always easy, but you were brave enough to be the light.”

Students at all three schools received awards for excellence, and then they proceeded one-by-one to get their diplomas as they move up to middle school in September.