“You did it!” proclaimed a very joyous Principal Eric Winter at the Pine Bush Elementary School moving up ceremony, addressing the fifth-graders and noting this was an exceptional group of students.

 

He reminded them of the character traits they focused on throughout the year through the positivity project: teamwork, creativity, integrity, humility, enthusiasm, love of learning, humor, kindness, optimism, to name a few. He encouraged them to continue to grow in these traits.

“When you go to middle school, continue a strong work ethic,” he told the students. “Be polite and kind, and always show respect for the people around you. Make decisions that will earn you the best that school and life have to offer.

“I am really rooting for you,” he added. “I believe in you all! Thank you for being who you are.”

 

Superintendent Brian Dunn talked to the soon-to-be middle school students, reminding them that in seven years they will be gearing up for their high school graduation as the class of 2030.

Before that, though, he challenged them as they head to Crispell Middle School to follow their inner voice.

“Follow your inner voice, the voice of your soul. It is inner guidance, a compass in each of us to use as much or as little as we want and choose,” Mr. Dunn said. “You can use your inner voice on demand and as needed. I benefit from it so much. I’ve come to trust it as a source of direction and a comfort when I need it.”

 

Assistant Principal Jenn Fitzgerald reminded the students that the thought of change can be scare, but so worth it.

“I’ve had conversations with many of our fifth graders about middle school,” she said. “Some are excited and many are nervous. The thought of change is never easy but it often turns out to be better than you ever imagined. Change helps us grow.”

 

After each of the graduates was called to the stage to be congratulated by their teachers and administrators, many awards were given out.

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. Kadence Reed, Katelynn Trimble, Thomas Monahan, Demetruis Mayfield, and Elizabeth Cooper received the award.

The Triple C Award, recognizing the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students, was given to Mason Navarro, Gabriella Hiller, Logan Nunes, Gianna Cutignola, Lila Morello and Ava Borowitz.

Mr. Winter and Ms. Fitzgerald also give their Principal’s Awards and Assistant Principal’s Awards.

Principal’s Awards went to Edmund Trad and Diana Mendoza-Sahagun. The Assistant Principal’s Awards went to Jonathan Martello and Annmarie Elder.

The chorus enthusiastically sang “Best Day of My Life” to the delight of their families.

After the ceremony, families gathered outside for refreshments, courtesy of the PTA, and to bask in the memories of their elementary days.

Congratulations to the PBE fifth-graders, part of the incoming sixth-grade class at Crispell Middle School!