Lakeview Elementary School celebrated its fifth graders during its annual Moving-Up Ceremony, honoring students’ accomplishments while recognizing the character, kindness and leadership that defined their elementary school years.
Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele congratulated students on reaching an important milestone. He thanked families, teachers and staff for their partnership in preparing students for middle school and encouraged the class to embrace new opportunities, stay involved and continue treating others with kindness and respect.
Principal Elizabeth Blessing reflected on the growth of the fifth grade class, sharing a story about a student who proudly returned to her office, not to celebrate another personal achievement, but to make sure a friend received the same recognition for earning a blue ribbon.
Blessing said the simple gesture captured the spirit of Lakeview and inspired the message she hoped students would carry with them into middle school.
“As you move on to middle school, you will have many opportunities to make a difference,” Blessing said. “Sometimes that difference will come from your own achievements, but often it will come from encouraging a classmate, including someone who feels left out or helping another person believe in themselves.”
Officer Vincent Serio of the Carmel Police Department presented this year’s D.A.R.E. Essay Awards, recognizing Siena Carinci, Gianna Cavallaro, Cayden DiRusso, Nate Harrison, Kayla Herrera, Emily Kuhlmann, Kate Murphy, Mohammed Mustafah and Andy Atiencie Taco for their thoughtful reflections on the lessons learned through the D.A.R.E. program. Serio congratulated students for learning the skills needed to make healthy, responsible decisions and encouraged them to continue surrounding themselves with positive influences as they move forward.
One of Lakeview’s longest-standing traditions followed as members of the graduating class participated in the annual Banner Exchange, officially passing the fifth grade banner to representatives of the incoming fifth grade class and symbolically welcoming them into their new leadership role within the school.
Several students were also recognized for exemplifying outstanding character and leadership. The Mahopac Teachers’ Association presented its annual Character Awards to Anthony Katz, Guadalupe Diaz Juarez, Aubrey LaMarca, Kate Lee and Zoey Wulczyn, recognizing students who consistently demonstrated respect, responsibility and positive citizenship throughout their elementary years.
Assistant Principal Leigh Galione presented the Lakeview ROCKS STAR Award to student Jose Hernandez, recognizing his consistent demonstration of the traits of respect, organization, cooperation, kindness and safety. Chosen by the entire staff, Hernandez was praised for his humility, compassion and positive influence on the Lakeview community.
The annual Finney Award, presented by Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Pontillo, was awarded to student Emma Gaine. Established in memory of former Lakeview student Christopher Scott Finney, the award recognizes a student who embodies kindness, friendship and putting others before themselves.
After being formally presented with their moving-up certificates, the fifth grade class performed “Lakeview Drive,” a song written more than two decades ago by fifth grade teacher Cara Bowden that has concluded the school’s Moving-Up Ceremony for generations of students.
As students walked out to “Pomp and Circumstance,” they left Lakeview Elementary with more than memories of their elementary years. They departed as leaders whose compassion, service and support for one another have left a lasting mark on the Bulldog community and will continue to guide them as they begin their next chapter at Mahopac Middle School.
