Hooray for our fifth-graders moving up to middle school!
Parents, guardians and family members of Edward J. Russell Elementary School fifth-graders were excited to see the students walking toward the tent where the moving-up ceremony would take place Tuesday, June 18.
The soon-to-be middle school students received plenty of sage advice from teachers and administrators. Coach Chris Curnan gave some enthusiastic words of encouragement to the students, telling them they have the rest of their lives to become what they want to become.
“You have parents and loved ones to guide you,” he said. “Don’t let opportunities pass you by. And don’t ever settle! Be the good person that you can be.”
Awards were given out for art, music, band, chorus, library, physical education, citizenship and academics.
Elizabeth Sze received the Jeanne S. Theis Memorial Award which honors the former EJR principal. This award is presented to a student each year who exemplifies the characteristics that made Mrs. Theis so special, including compassion, respectfulness and trustworthiness, to name a few.
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. Tess Hoehmann, Mason Garnes, Scarlett Voight, Gio Maresca and Elizabeth Sze received the award.
The Triple C Award, recognizing the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students was given to Grace Rommel, Mason Garnes, Kimberly Hernandez Leyva, Ryan Cosh and Wyatt Muehr.
The ceremony ended with the fifth-graders singing a couple of songs under the direction of music teacher Bill Losier, including a rousing rendition of “We Are EJR.”
After the festivities, the PTA provided refreshments as the students gathered, taking photos with their friends, family and teachers. Such a joyful day for all!
