The Shore Road School Class of 2025 closed the chapter on their educational careers in Bellmore Schools on June 20 during their graduation ceremony at John F. Kennedy High School.
Leaders of the color guard LiaVictoria Buono, Anthony Coniglio, Penelope Mooney and Francesco Natale opened the ceremony as Katelyn Parrino led the flag salute. Principal Patrice Matthews expressed her faith in the sixth grade class. “We are confident that as we send off the Class of 2025, they will continually shine brightly,” she said, “not only as leaders of themselves, but as role models that inspire others through their example.”
Graduate Dylan Gaynor thanked the school staff who have led them to this moment. He addressed his peers by quoting Dr. Seuss, saying, “You're off to great places, today is your day; Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
The sixth grade band performed “Celebration Fanfare” before Clara Benno shared a speech on her class’s history. “We’ve had the privilege of attending not one, not two, but three incredible elementary schools: Reinhard Early Childhood Center, Winthrop Avenue School and Shore Road School,” she said. “Each school has brought its own fun experiences and memories that has helped shaped us into the people we are today.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Famularo encouraged graduates to look ahead with excitement and passion. “Years from now you won’t remember your assignments or every detail of your school days, but you will remember how you felt right now,” he said. “Proud, excited, and maybe a little nervous about next year, but that makes the moment so special.”
Next, sixth graders in the orchestra grabbed their bows and instruments to perform “Over the Rainbow” before Trustee Jay Breakstone reflected on the day being the summer solstice, the “brightest day of the year.” “But we know that today is brighter for another reason,” he said. “Because today we see the future, and we see it in their eyes.”
Graduate Garrett Griffin issued a farewell to his peers, saying, “It’s an honor to say goodbye to the district, although it is hard to say goodbye to a place we have called home for so many years.”
PTA co-presidents Jamie Guggenheim-Shiner and Brianna Bachrach congratulated graduates in their address and Emmie Luckman and Blake Kowalski presented Mrs. Matthews the class gift, a framed picture of the Class of 2025.
The sixth grade chorale performed “The Climb” before each graduate crossed the stage to receive their diploma, officially making them middle schoolers.
