Through their smiles, 526 fifth graders in the Massapequa School District showed what it meant to them to complete a major milestone in their lives. Moving-up ceremonies for the six elementary schools were held from June 22 to 24, featuring accolades, songs, reflections and words of wisdom.
Fairfield Elementary School’s ceremony took place at Berner Middle School, where the graduates will spend the next three years. The program prominently featured student voices, with several fifth graders selected to reflect on their elementary school years and look ahead to Berner. They highlighted the memories made, the friendships formed and the challenges overcame together.
“Now, we are getting ready for a brand-new adventure: middle school,” Lia Roseto said to her fellow fifth graders. “It’s totally normal if you feel excited, nervous or even a little scared right now. But guys, we are ready. Middle school will bring new classes, new sports, and new friends. And even though things will change, the lessons we learned here at Fairfield will stay with us.”
Students speeches were also a highlight at Lockhart Elementary School’s ceremony. Zoe Silva recounted memories like hatching ducklings, the living wax museum and turning pumpkins into storybook characters. Elementary school was a time where everyone was figuring out who they are as they tried new things, met new people and learned what makes them happy.
“One thing I’ve learned is that where you belong isn’t really a place, it’s the people around you who make you laugh and encourage you to be yourself,” Zoe said.
Joey Iannuzzi looked back on how he grew academically at Birch Lane Elementary School by reading more challenging books, solving complex word problems, writing thoughtful essays and learning how to play an instrument. Joining the Scrabble Club helped improve his vocabulary and participating in the Science Discovery Fair opened his eyes to new concepts.
“Birch Lane is a place where I built strong friendships, grew into a leader and learned the importance of being responsible and honest,” he said. “These lessons are going to prepare me for the next chapter of my life.”
Birch Lane featured Massapequa’s largest elementary class with 111 students receiving their promotion certificates. The fifth graders sang “Slow Down” as a special tribute to their parents.
East Lake Elementary School Principal Thomas McKillop stood proudly at the microphone as an admirer of an “impressive” fifth grade class for what they accomplished individually and collectively. He specifically noted the high level of character of this year’s graduates and their desire to always do what’s right.
“I am beyond proud of how well they have represented each other and East Lake School,” Mr. McKillop said.
The moving-up ceremonies featured student recognition including special area awards, the New York State Comptroller Award, the New York State Attorney General Triple C Award and the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence and Educational Achievement.
McKenna Elementary School Principal Dr. Amanda Lowry told the graduates to think of their education as an adventure. While they have been together for six years, they have each followed a unique path filled with growth, laughter, challenges and unforgettable moments. Her advice as they moved on to middle school: “Be brave, be kind and believe in yourself. Even the smallest action can make a big difference.”
Unqua Elementary School fifth graders closed out their ceremony by singing “How Do We Say Goodbye.” Before that, they got some good advice from their principal, Deanna Catapano. She noted that as fifth graders, they were not just the oldest students, but the true leaders of the school, and are ready to take on the world of middle school.
“You already have everything you need to succeed inside of you right now,” Ms. Catapano said. “As you take this next big step, I challenge you to do three things: stay curious, stay humble and, above all, stay true to exactly who you are.”