Bellmore's Shore Road Sends Off Its Graduates

Shore Road sixth-graders marked their final elementary milestone in the Bellmore School District during the school’s annual promotion ceremony, held in the John. F. Kennedy High School auditorium on June 18.

After the flag salute by Kelsey Nichols and the presentation of colors by Julia Cerverizzo, Benjamin Margulies, Maria Montemarano and Anna Purvin, Principal Patrice Matthews welcomed the administration, parents and faculty to the event. She told the students to not only continue to live by the district leadership and core values, but according to Nike’s slogan “Just Do It.” She said, “Each of you has a toolbox of strategies to assist you in your decision-making. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Student speakers Andrea Bardhan, Alexandra Radinsky and Gabrielle Skolnick reflected on their experiences at Shore Road and the next steps to come during middle school. The sixth-grade band and orchestra performed musical interludes of John Legend’s “Imagine” and an arrangement of “Firework” by music teacher Kelly Brandstadter, as well as a special choral presentation of Anastasia’s “At the Beginning.”

In his remarks, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Famularo told the students, “The leadership principles and core values will help you to make good decisions,” while board trustee Jay L.T. Breakstone said, “The future is yours, but we will come along with you. So, do a good job and lead.” PTA Presidents Michele Aurigema and Leslie Cerverizzo told the graduates, “The world is yours for the taking, and how hard you work will determine the outcome.”

Upon the presentation of the class gift by Aidan Haas, Natalia Kleczek and Antonio Leoni to Matthews -- a framed photo of the class of 2018 -- the sixth-grade teachers presented their individual classes to Famularo, Matthews and board trustees. The students then walked across the stage to receive their promotion certificates, marking the completion of elementary school to the cheers of family.

Photos courtesy Bellmore School District