Glen Head Fifth Graders Move Up!

Congratulations to all of the Glen Head fifth graders who moved up on Monday, June 23, 2025, in a ceremony held in the North Shore High School Theatre led by Principal Thomas Sheehan. The ceremony began with The Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner led by Jai Chopra and Yining Fan. Then Music teacher, Ms. Whitney Hackman, then led the fifth graders in the song “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors. Congratulations to award winners including Salvatore Moscato for winning the Lou Marrone Award and Maeve Behrmann, Amari Davydov, Gemma Giudici, and Jonathan Lax for winning the Triple C Award!

Principal Sheehan warmly welcomed the parents, family members, and friends in the audience and congratulated his fifth graders on this memorable day. He spoke about how this was his first Moving Up Ceremony and that this class would always remain deep in his heart. He then spoke about dreams. He said, “Dreams aren’t going to be easy and most of the time you won’t be ready for them. You won’t have it all figured out, but that’s the secret, no one does. The people who chase their dreams - just get started. They jump in, they learn as they go, and they figure it out all along the way. So, try everything, say yes to all the experiences that come your way – join the club, start the project, and ask the question. But most importantly, build your life resume, just don’t worry about your college resume or work resume. The memories, the moments, the things that make you say, ‘I can’t believe I just did that.’ Some things will go great, and a lot of things won’t. And every step of the way, every try, and every risk will get you closer to every dream you have…”

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis reminded the graduates that they set the course for own lives– their GPS…he emphasized to be positive, believe in themselves, help others, and be kind. He stated, “In middle school, you can be both cool and kind...” He 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.”

Then Dr. Z introduced Principal Dr. Ryan O’Hara who welcomed the fifth graders to North Shore Middle School, congratulated them on their graduation, and said it was okay to be a little nervous. He recited an original sonnet and said he was excited and proud to be their next principal at North Shore Middle School! Also in the audience were Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Dr. Carol Smyth, and Assistant Superintendent for Business, Mr. Jamie Pappas.

Then the moment everyone was waiting for arrived as Mr. Sheehan called each of the fifth graders to the podium to receive their diplomas. As the graduating class of 2025 was announced, all of their loving parents, families, and teachers in the audience proudly applauded with joy. Congratulations go out to the following GH fifth graders – names to come! Then music teacher, Ms. Whitney Hackman, led the students in a song titled, “Perfect Day” by Hoku.

Thank you to all those who helped make this GH Moving Up Ceremony a success, including the GH Fifth Grade Graduation Committee! Congratulations to the GH fifth grade "Class of 2025" and the North Shore High School Graduating Class of 2032 and their respective families! Best of luck at North Shore Middle School!

Have a happy and healthy summer! Go Vikings Go!

Article and photos by Shelly Newman