Shore Road sixth graders marked their final elementary milestone during the school’s annual promotion ceremony, held in the John F. Kennedy High School auditorium on June 19.

After the flag salute by Justin Barrera, Dilan DeJesus, Hudson DiTuri, Lana Jewett and Evan Kolberg, Principal Patrice Matthews welcomed the administration, parents and faculty to this memorable event. She explained to the students that there are connections between superheroes and leaders. “You are real-life superheroes and will use your powers for good,” she said.

The sixth-grade band and orchestra, under the batons of Jennifer MacVicar and Kelly Brandstadter, performed musical interludes of Katy Perry’s “Firework” and “What a Wonderful World,” as well as a special choral presentation of “A Million Dreams,” led by the sixth grade Chorale. Student speakers Eliana Conrad, Kathryn Powder and Nikki Ayoub also reflected on their elementary school experiences and the next steps to come in middle school.

In his remarks, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Famularo told the graduates that they must develop leadership “inwardly and outwardly.” He told them they are “leaders and persons of influence,” and by using the leadership principles, they will be able to accomplish anything they put their mind to.

Board of Education President Maryanne Kelly told the graduates that they have proven that they are ready for their next academic step. She encouraged them to begin with the end in mind by thinking about what they will have accomplished by the last day of attendance at Grand Avenue Middle School, to find inspiration and inspire others and remember to be kind to one another.

After an address by PTA presidents Leslie Cerverizzo and Chantal Dembo about how the students have emerged into persons who can “navigate the world independently,” the graduates gifted a framed photo of the Class of 2019 to Ms. Matthews and the board of education. The sixth-grade teachers then presented their individual classes to Dr. Famularo, Ms. Matthew and board of education trustees as the students walked across the stage to receive their promotion certificates, marking the completion of elementary school to the cheers of family.