Students Put Their Mark on Little Tor Graduation Ceremonies

"It was wonderful… a bittersweet moment," said parent Diane Bennett about her daughter and her friends making their way from elementary to middle school. "We are all very proud of them.

On Monday, 49 fifth-graders made the step from Little Tor Elementary to Felix Festa Middle School.

"It was sad yet optimistic," said Neil Reiss, the father of one son who graduated. "Gave me a good look toward the future."

Getting up slowly, Little Tor Principal Mi Jung An made her way to the bottom of the stage and delivered a moving speech despite her recent back spasm injury.

"She was going through a lot of pain and she still managed to make it for all the students and parents," said the parents of graduate Jessica Cannata.

"She went out of her way to be here because it was important," added Bennett.

What made this graduation different from many others was the amount student involvement, parents and faculty said. Instead of having all the dignitaries give speeches, the students made it their own. Nearly every student was involved.

A baby picture of each child was shown on a projector and the kids and parents could guess who it was.

"Hilarious," exclaimed one graduate after the baby picture showing.

Many parents yelled out when their son or daughter's picture was shown as the children hid their faces in embarrassment.

"It was poignant to see the changes that the children had made over the years," said Bennett. "It was fun."

"I personally enjoyed embarrassing my son with his baby picture," Reiss added.

After a good laugh, some students gave quick speeches thanking their teachers for all that they had done. Parents and faculty agreed that this was one of the most touching moments of the ceremony because of the strong connections teachers made with their students.

To compliment the baby pictures and student speeches, a few students participated in a Stomp Performance.

Reiss spoke for the majority of parents saying that the performance was "incredible… impressive for fifth graders."

Bringing more musical life to the ceremony, Carly Mendelson, who along with backup singers sang a song from Disney.

Parents and faculty said that this performance was amazing as well.

To cement their place in the school, the students unveiled their class tiles to be placed on the hallway walls.

Each year, the fifth grade makes a collage of colorful tiles that depict the feelings and significant events in the class' history. The halls are lined with the tile artwork and stand today as a piece of posterity.

"They worked hard and they did a great job," said parent Stephen Abrams with a smile.

Today, New City Elementary School has its "moving up" ceremony at 9 a.m., with the Birchwood School graduation set for tomorrow at 6 p.m.

On Thursday, South High School has its graduation ceremonies at 5:30 p.m., with the ceremonies moving to the South H.S. auditorium in the event of bad weather conditions.