Shore Road sixth-graders celebrated their successes during their primary years of education while looking forward to their future in middle school during the annual moving up ceremony, held in the John F. Kennedy High School auditorium on June 19.

After a flag salute by Rachel Oppenheim and the presentation of the colors by Courtney Becker, Vincent Dragonetti, Daniela Russo and Ava Zampetti, Principal Patrice Matthews welcomed the parents, students and staff to the celebration of a very important educational milestone. “You are ready to become true ambassadors of our leadership principles,” Mrs. Matthews said. “You have all shown us what it means to be a shining star.”

Student speakers Brooke Horowitz, Amanda Levine and Hailey Newman reflected on their years at Shore Road, while the sixth-grade band and orchestra performed musical interludes of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin” and John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The class also entertained their parents with a collective choral performance of popular songs “Time of Your Life” and “Home.”

In his remarks, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Famularo described the definition of a leader, “When you see the worth and potential in someone else and it becomes so clear that we see it in ourselves, that is the definition of a leader,” he said. “You are future leaders.” Board of Education President Marion Blane also told the class she is proud of them and urged them to “keep reaching for the stars.” In addition, PTA representatives Michele Aurigema and Natalie Molloy also requested that the graduates dedicate themselves to being even better and not to be in such a rush to grow up.

After students Riley Fried, Arisara Soontarodom and Gabrielle Weinstein presented the class gift to Mrs. Matthews, a framed photo of the Class of 2017, the sixth-grade teachers, trustees and administrators presented certificates of completion to the graduating class, marking their completion of elementary school.