Merrick Elementary Schools Host Moving Up Ceremonies

The sixth-graders at Birch, Chatterton and Levy Lakeside schools in the Merrick School District recently celebrated completing elementary school at the moving up ceremonies held recently.

At each ceremony, the schools’ student council president reflected upon the laughter, smiles, fun and learning experiences they had shared over the last seven years.

Class of 2016 representatives relayed stories about first-day jitters, class trips, activities, lessons learned and volunteering in the community.

Many teachers, administrators, parents and fellow graduates who had helped make their experiences memorable were also recognized.

In his address to the graduates, Board of Education President Butch Yamali thanked the teachers and administrators for their devotion to the students and congratulated the sixth-graders on their hard work and dedication over the years.

“On behalf of the Merrick Board of Education, we are very proud of the graduating class, the administration and the staff from each school,” he said. “We are so happy that you all made it this far, and we know you all have a bright future ahead of you.”

Each ceremony was highlighted by the distribution of awards and scholarships to students based on academic growth, character and club involvement, including the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and Achievement.

In addition, all students performed moving up skits and musical numbers, through which they reminisced about their years in the district as well as the next chapter in their lives.

Also, each principal spoke about the class’ outstanding academic, social and emotional triumphs that had shaped the Class of 2016 into competent, intellectual and compassionate individuals.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016.

Photo Captions:

1) Birch School sixth-graders celebrated the culmination of their time in the district with a moving up ceremony on June 21.

2) The Birch School Class of 2016 performed several musical numbers during their moving up ceremony.

3) A Chatterton School sixth-grader received her diploma during the school’s moving up ceremony on June 22.

4) At their moving up ceremony, the Chatterton School Class of 2016 performed skits in which they reminisced about their last seven years.

5) A sixth-grader received his diploma at Levy Lakeside’s moving up ceremony on June 23.

6) Levy Lakeside sixth-graders received their diplomas during their June 23 moving up ceremony.

Photos courtesy of the Merrick School District