The graduating sixth-grade students from Wheeler Avenue School gathered one last time as a group for their closing exercises in front of a packed auditorium of proud family and friends at Central High School.
The program began with the jazz ensemble, directed by Michael Soscia, who performed three high-spirited songs including Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn’s “Come Fly with Me.” They received a standing ovation at the end of their set. “This is a time to acknowledge a milestone in the students’ educational careers,” said Principal Gayle Steele in her introductory remarks. “Your hard work and dedication have resulted in your readiness to move on to the next phase and be confident that you will be great in middle school and beyond.”
As part of the ceremony, a few students were selected from all four graduating classes to share sentimental memories of classmates, teachers and the experiences they had shared at Wheeler. These speeches were interspersed with those from honored guests. “As you continue on your educational journey, continue to work hard; never give up on your goals and dreams,” urged Board of Education trustee Dr. Sean Douglas. “We look forward to learning about your accomplishments, your wise decisions and your ability to be resilient,” added Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrienne Robb-Fund. “Recognize that you just need to do what is right for you.” “My hope is that you can be the best that you can be,” said PTA Co-president Stephanie Seltzer.
After all 101 students listed in the program were announced and presented with their certificates of graduation by Dr. Douglas, Ms. Steele and Dr. Robb-Fund, they were officially deemed graduates. A heartfelt rendition of the school song preceded the recessional exit to the front of the school, where the graduates were reunited with proud family and friends. The students were already abuzz with eagerness to begin the seventh grade in the fall.
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