Shore Road School sixth graders officially became middle schoolers upon crossing the John F. Kennedy High School stage during their graduation ceremony on June 21.
Graduates Max Hindes, Nicholas Taylor, Eric Weng and Annmarie White presented the flags as the color guard while Brooke Greenbaum led the salute. Principal Patrice Matthews welcomed guests and commended graduates’ perseverance. “We are more than confident that the Class of 2024 will continue to be a beacon of light for themselves and lead others by their example,” she said.
Bella Tarter welcomed her peers and looked forward to their journeys ahead. “Today marks a significant milestone in our lives,” she said, “one we will carry with us as we move on to the next phase of our educational journey.”
The sixth grade band performed “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco before Superintendent Dr. Joseph Famularo addressed the graduates and reflected on a question they have been asked many times: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“While this is an important question, I believe there’s a better one: Who do you want to be when you grow up?” Dr. Famularo asked. “The ‘who’ speaks to your character, values, the kind of person you want to become – it’s the ‘who’ that truly defines your path and your impact on the world.”
Graduate Abby Cohen reflected on her peers’ history together. “I felt like I learned a little bit of everything throughout my years in elementary school,” she said. “The friends I have made in school mean so much to me.”
The sixth grade orchestra performed “Pomp and Circumstance” before Board President Maryann Kelly addressed the Class of 2024. “Everyone will soon be taking about the first day of seventh grade,” Mrs. Kelly said. “I would like you to think about your last day of eighth grade and what type of person you want to be as you leave Grand [Avenue Middle School]. What accomplishments would you like to have made in those two years?”
Graduate Sienna Fridman presented a farewell message. “Today I am saying goodbye to this amazing community of people,” she said, “but I can’t help but think of all the people I’ve met along the way.”
PTA co-presidents Jamie Guggenheim-Shiner and Nikki Zimberg congratulated graduates in their address. Students Giuliana Lane and Omer Karaoglu presented the class gift, a framed picture of the entire Class of 2024 to be displayed at Shore Road.
The sixth grade chorus presented the final performance of the ceremony, “Hall of Fame.” Sixth grade teachers announced their students’ names as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Mrs. Matthews, Dr. Famularo, and Mrs. Kelly.
Photo caption:
1) Prior to their graduation ceremony on June 21 at John F. Kennedy High School, Shore Road sixth graders were ready to mark a momentous occasion.
2) Members of the color guard presented the flags and led the pledge of allegiance.
3) The sixth grade orchestra performed “Pomp and Circumstance.”
4) Graduates Giuliana Lane and Omer Karaoglu presented the class gift, a framed picture of the entire Class of 2024.
5) Sixth graders crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
Photos courtesy Bellmore Public Schools
Date Added: 6/27/2024