Congrats Sea Cliff Fifth Graders!
Congratulations to all of the Sea Cliff fifth graders who graduated on June 21, 2024, in a ceremony held in the Sea Cliff School Theatre led by Principal Ms. Megan McCormack.
During the memorable ceremony, the graduates spoke beautifully about their goals and dreams including being teachers, doctors, computer and data analysts, basketball and hockey players, professional actors, artists, and successful business people. Additionally, Ms. Ashley Hasset-Bordes led the students in a few songs including “A Million Dreams” from the Greatest Showman and “You Can Count On Me” by Bruno Mars.
Principal McCormack warmly welcomed the parents and family members in the audience and congratulated everyone on achieving this incredible milestone. She said, “You have touched the lives of so many in this school. Speaking on behalf of all your teachers, please know we are so proud of you. From kindergarten through 5th grade, you have problem-solved through conflicts, thought critically, communicated with one another, have been extremely committed to yourselves and have collaborated with peers. Your elementary journey has represented the building blocks of your educational career…”
Ms. McCormack then introduced Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis who was also the principal of Sea Cliff School when the Class of 2024 were kindergarteners. He reminded the fifth graders of three important things that they can do to be successful in middle school including surrounding yourself with people who will help you, helping yourself and taking good care of yourself, and being kind and helping others. Dr. Z also said, “As you move to middle school and beyond, surround yourselves with friends and teachers who will encourage you to rise to a higher level and be your best.” Congratulations to the SC Class of 2024 and the HS graduating Class of 2031!
Ms. McCormack then introduced Principal Dr. Ryan O’Hara who warmly welcomed his incoming 6th graders to North Shore Middle School. He said that they will face new challenges academically and socially, but they were more than ready to face them and succeed! He reiterated that it was okay to be a little nervous. He recited an original sonnet and then asked them all to raise their hands above their heads and then bring them together - leading them in a chant saying, “We Can Do This!”
Each of the students were then called to the podium to receive their diplomas from Principal McCormack in recognition of this unforgettable day. As the graduating class of 2024 was announced, all of their loving families, peers, and teachers in the audience proudly applauded with joy.
Congratulations to Sinan Agi, Scarlett Bader, Jordan Berger, Caroline Bernholz, Sofia Bonelli, Ian Bryant, Melanie Caldas, Casey Camps, Max Cashman, Chloe Chartier, Brody Collins, Jackson DeSane, Nola DeSanto, Max Ecker, Sebastian Espinosa De Rozas, Boden Felice, Charlotte Grason, Ellamae Grau, Aidan Hanley, Olivia Harkins, Sofia Harkins, George Jable, Aiden Jiang, Charles Johnson, Amelia Kletter, Jack Llewellyn, Paul Mahnken, Charlotte McCarthy, Chloe Miller, Declan Mitchell, Lucien Pichon, Ava Rechner, Casper Rodriguez, William Sanborn, Ruby Schatz, Cameron Schmidt, Stella Schneidermesser, Sydney Singh, Bella Smith-Salgado, Benjamin Taboada-Sein, James Tran D’Ercole, Luca Tulumello, Brielle Vogt, Riley Vogt, Cassius von Hess, Nash Walkley, Antonia Ward, Finn Weinberger, and Anaya Whalan.
Principal McCormack concluded by saying, “Continue to push yourself, persevere, and love what you do. Work hard and stay humble, and always do the right thing even when no one is watching! Thank you to all the families, teachers and friends who have encouraged you along the way. I want you to know that you will always have a special place in my heart. You have set the bar high and know that I am so grateful. As you continue on your North Shore Journey, we wish you the best of luck in North Shore Middle School. Never stop discovering your dreams.”
Additionally, many thanks to everyone who made this SC Moving Up Ceremony a success including the SC Fifth Grade Committee, the SC PCA, faculty and administration including Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Carol Smyth and Assistant Superintendent for Business, Mr. James Pappas, who attended the event!
After the ceremony, the faculty and younger Sea Cliff students lined up on the blacktop to cheer on their older fifth grade peers and wish them best of luck! Congratulations to the Sea Cliff Class of 2024! Go Vikings Go!
Have a great summer!
Article and photos by Shelly Newman