One-hundred-thirty-six graduates from Shore Road School in the Bellmore Public School District closed out a chapter on June 23 at John F. Kennedy High School as they crossed the stage during their graduation ceremony.
Shore Road Elementary School Principal Patrice Matthews said that ever since the students began kindergarten in September 2015, they have been on a mission each day to learn, grow and try new things. Citing the song the children would sing at the ceremony, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, Ms. Matthews reminded them that every day is blank page and a chance to explore all possibilities. Entering middle school, she added, creates those possibilities and she encouraged them to join clubs as a way to meet new people, expand their talents and broaden their horizons.
Superintendent Dr. Joseph Famularo remembers meeting these students when they were in kindergarten, when he visited their classrooms with his guitar to sing “Apples and Bananas.” Seven years later, he is proud of their achievements and successes, and inspired by their leadership potential. He told the graduates that the best leaders are those who not only see the worth and potential in others, but help others see it in themselves.
Noting the challenges the students have been through during the last three years of elementary school, Board of Education Vice President Janet Goller said this group has learned a great life skill – adaptability. They did it when they switched to virtual learning, and when they returned to in-person learning as they transitioned to Shore Road, and they will do it again when they go to middle school and have to open lockers for the first time.
The ceremony included a performance of “High Hopes” by the sixth grade band and “Over the Rainbow” by the sixth grade orchestra. Student speakers Sophie Levinsohn, Bella Macolino and Jenna Levy reflected on their elementary school memories and Alexis Burbank and Gabriella Hartwig presented the class gift, a framed picture of Shore Road’s Class of 2022. Denise Cerrotta and Jessica Freeman gave the PTA address.
Sixth grade teachers announced their students as Ms. Matthews handed them their Bellmore School District diploma folders. Soon after, they reunited with their families for the first time as elementary graduates, but forever as Bellmore Stars.
Date Added: 6/27/2022