Pakanasink Elementary School fifth-graders heard some sage advice and encouragement from their principal, Brian Breheny, at their moving-up ceremony. He reminded them that they will meet many new people and have big freedoms in middle school. With those freedoms, come responsibilities.

He encouraged them to make smart choices when making friends and to work hard. “Things won’t always come easily,” he said. “What’s worth learning is worth working for.”

 

 

He also talked about the importance of our words. “Our words carry weight,” said Principal Breheny. “They influence people so think before you speak. Your words reflect what is in you.”

Lastly, he said, dedicate yourselves to making the next year an even better one. “There are great things coming.”

Assistant Superintendent for Business Joseph Lenz also addressed the students. He encouraged them to carry forward the values of respect, kindness and perseverance they learned at PAK. And quoted Fred Rogers on the three ways to ultimate success. “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”

 

 

Some special awards were bestowed on students.

The Triple C Award, recognizing the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students, was presented to Larry Hernandez, Rivera Laurelle Reyes, Oishharja “Oishi” Hasan and Abigail Doran.

The New York State Comptroller’s Award is given to students who have shown academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improve their school and community. The PAK fifth-graders receiving this award were Aviraj Singh, Nicholas Rubeis, Paul Taylor Jr. and Ricardo Lopez.

 

 

Three students received Principal Brian Breheny’s awards for supreme effort. They are Amare Diggs, Audreyanna Larsen, Oishharja “Oishi” Hasan and Jaylene Hidalgo.

 

 

A special tradition at PAK is the slide show of our fifth-graders, from pre-K through grade 5. It always brings so much joy and laughter to all.

After the ceremony, the PAK PTA provided refreshments for the fifth-grade students and their guests. They also gave each student a personalized PAK pennant and had a cool backdrop for photos, complete with a cow cutout saying “Moovin up 2 CVMS.” It was great fun for all!

 

 

Congratulations to our new middle schoolers!