Fifth-grade students from the Long Beach Public Schools’ four elementary buildings and eighth-graders from Long Beach Middle School celebrated their accomplishments and bright futures during the week of June 19, when they advanced to the next level in their education. Moving up ceremonies were filled with inspiring words, talented performances, special recognitions and plenteous applause.

The middle school ceremony, held on the evening of June 21, honored students’ completion of three years of determination, effort and teamwork. During the eighth-graders’ time in the building, it became Nassau County’s first-authorized International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program school. The students have experienced an educational program based on philosophies that will help them to succeed in the high school years that they will now embark upon.

At the elementary level, each school’s promotion had a specific theme that was portrayed through decorations, music and more. East School’s event was named, “You Can Be…,” while Lido School’s was titled, Aloha, Until We Meet Again.” Lindell School sent off its graduates with an “On Our Way…” program, and West School celebrated “Sailing into the Future.”

Student speakers from the five buildings addressed their peers and audience members with reflections about their experiences thus far, and the endless possibilities ahead. Middle school principal Paul Romanelli and elementary school principals Kathleen Connolly, Brenda Young, Karen Sauter and Patrick McKinney shared positive sentiments with their respective graduates, and Mr. Romanelli additionally welcomed the incoming sixth-graders with encouragement.

Lindell’s ceremony also included a special presentation to retiring Teacher-in-Charge Carol Cintorino, who has provided 20 years of service to the school and made many valuable contributions to students and staff members alike. Ms. Sauter expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Cintorino on behalf of the entire school.  

Superintendent David Weiss and Board of Education members also commended the fifth- and eighth-graders, and all ceremonies featured special award presentations to students who have excelled in academics, music, art, community involvement and a number of other areas.

New York State Triple-C awards, Senator Todd Kaminsky’s Junior Public Service and Leadership Awards, President’s Awards for Educational Excellence, President’s Awards for Educational Achievement and American Citizenship Awards, Principal’s Awards and PTA Awards were among the many honors that were granted.

East, Lindell and West Schools’ promotions were held in their respective buildings, while Lido’s took place in the middle school auditorium and Long Beach Middle School’s ceremony was held in the High School gymnasium.