Determination, kindness and an ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances is what stands out about this year’s fifth grade class, explained Robyn Santiago, principal of Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.

More than 220 students were recognized at moving-up ceremonies on June 22 and 23. The events were livestreamed so families could tune in to see students cross the stage and accept their promotion certificates. In September, they will begin a new chapter about a mile away at Edmund W. Miles Middle School. 

Ms. Santiago noted that students were introduced to many new terms over the past year that reflected the new normal. They made the best of every situation, she said, including their adjustment to the hybrid learning model.

“When I visited your classrooms, I saw in-person and remote students interacting with one another while working on a presentation, sharing ideas and learning together,” she said. “You have truly become 21st century learners.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale encouraged students to set high goals for themselves and take advantage of expanded opportunities in middle school, like extracurricular activities and sports. 

“This is going to be an extremely exciting opportunity for you to excel and become involved,” he said. 

Each class came into the auditorium as music teachers played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Teachers called the names of their graduates, and students stopped in the middle of the stage to wave to the camera and acknowledge their families watching at home before exchanging pandemic-appropriate elbow bumps with administrators. Assistant Principal Joshua Atlas announced the recipients of several awards including the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, President’s Award for Educational Achievement and Suffolk County Public Service Award.