North Bellmore School District

It was a moment of pride for the 287 sixth graders who graduated from the North Bellmore School District in late June, as they reflected on their accomplishments and further defined their futures.

Saw Mill Road Elementary School’s ceremony took place on June 24, followed by John G. Dinkelmeyer, Martin Avenue, Newbridge Road and Park Avenue schools on June 25. Programs were held at the Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue middle schools of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, the place where they will continue their educational journey.

Daniel Madden, assistant principal of Saw Mill Road, said graduation was not only the celebration of a milestone, but of a journey filled with laughter, discovery, friendship and growth. His speech directly quoted the sixth graders after posing questions to them on their most prideful elementary school moments and the lessons they will take with them to middle school.

Newbridge Road’s ceremony was largely organized by the sixth graders themselves. It featured nearly 20 student speakers who reflected on memories from each year, kindergarten through sixth grade. They also planned special handshakes, high-fives and dance moves as they left the stage following the tassel-moving ritual.

“I see so much more than students who are graduating and are ready for middle school,” Principal Amanda Licci said. “I see individuals who have grown in courage, confidence and character. I see leaders who have learned to use their voices, to think critically and to care deeply.”

Park Avenue Elementary School Dr. Lynn Coyle expressed how lucky she was to spend her first year there with a wonderful sixth grade class.

“From the very beginning, you welcomed me with your energy, your ideas, your kindness and your unique personalities,” she told the graduates. “You helped set the tone for what it means to be part of this wonderful school community.”

Sixth grader Micah Millington noted that the core values of the Park Pledge and the lessons instilled by their teachers will help them adapt to the big change that’s coming for him and his fellow graduates.

“We will walk into Grand Avenue in the fall with a self-assured aura, ready to shine,” he said.

In addition to student speakers, each ceremony featured remarks from a board of education trustee as well as musical presentations.

Danica Brugge, who became principal of Dinkelmeyer mid-way through her graduates’ kindergarten year, vividly remembered their sweet, bright and eager faces, boundless energy and love for learning. Watching them flourish into remarkable young adults has been a great joy, she added.

“I am filled with immense pride and hope for each of you,” Ms. Brugge said. “Your journey has been marked by resilience, curiosity, kindness and courage – all traits that will continue to serve you well in the years ahead.”

Martin Avenue Elementary School Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci centered his address to the graduates on one of the district’s core values, “There is no limit to human potential.”

“Each of you has unique talents, dreams and abilities waiting to be discovered and nurtured,” Dr. Yannucci said. “Believe in yourself and your capacity to achieve incredible things is endless. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, learn from setbacks and keep striving towards your goals with determination and resilience.”